Narayanganj mosque blast: Death toll now 21; Titas to probe if gas leak to blame
Four more persons, who suffered severe injuries in a blast at a mosque in Narayanganj yesterday, died today while undergoing treatment at the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka.
With them, 21 people, including the imam of the mosque, have so far died in the tragic incident.
Of them, 20 succumbed to their injuries today and one died last night, Dr Samanta Lal Sen, coordinator of the burn institute, and hospital sources confirmed to The Daily Star.
The deceased have been identified as: Abdul Malek (60), imam of the mosque; Nadim Ahmed (40); Md Nizam (40); Bahauddin (60); Rasel (30); Kanchan Howlader (40); Nayan (27); Rashed (30); Rifat (18); Mostafa Kamal (34); Zubair (18); Sabbir (21); Kuddus Bepari (72); Delwar Hossain (48); Zunayed (17); Humayun Kabir (70); Ibrahim (43); Jamal (40); Joynal (38); Mainuddin (12); and Jubayed Farazi (6).
Jubayed Farazi alias Jewel died at the hospital last night.
At least 16 persons who suffered injuries in the incident are now undergoing treatment at the burn institute, sources said.
Around 40 people suffered severe injuries in a blast at Pashchim Talla Baitus Salam Mosque of Narayanganj after Esha prayers yesterday.
Dr Samanta Lal Sen said the condition of several patients is critical.
Abdullah Al Arefin, assistant director of Narayanganj fire service and civil defence, told the Daily Star that a gas pipe line of Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited has gone through the bottom of the mosque.
"We are suspecting that gas accumulated inside the mosque from a leak in the pipeline. The gas could not go out because the windows were closed due to the AC," he said.
The prime minister has directed to ensure their best treatment, Dr Sen added.
Read more: 1 dead, 39 injured after ACs burst at N'ganj mosque; fire officials suspect gas leak
Titas Gas to probe if gas leak caused Narayanganj mosque blast
Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Ltd has formed a five-member committee to investigate whether a gas pipe leak sparked fire and led to the subsequent blast at a mosque in Narayanganj yesterday, reports UNB.
A press release of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources said the committee, headed by Abdul Wahab, general manager of Titas Gas, was asked to submit its report within five working days.
All the concerned power distribution companies were also asked by the power division to examine the power connections and condition of air-conditioners at mosques and other religious institutions located in their respective areas, the release also read.
It mentioned that State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid expressed deep shock at the blast incident and conveyed his sympathy to the victims.
He also wished swift recovery of the people injured in the incident and peace for the departed souls.