At least 30 people were killed and more than another 100 injured in air conditioner (AC) explosions in the last five years.
“About 30 to 35 people died and another 100 to 150 sustained burns in the incidents of AC blasts in the last five years,” said Dr Samanta Lal Sen, coordinator of Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.
According to Dr Sen, people are still unaware regarding the AC explosions.
Shops that use ACs should be brought under monitoring and surveillance should be increased, he said adding ACs, including the houses’ ones, need to look after for a certain period of time and monitor it.
Electrical engineer Mosharaf Kamal told Bangladesh Post, “Lack of awareness on electronics safety causes AC blasts frequently. An AC requires regular servicing at least thrice a year. If any problem is detected then occurrences (like explosion) can be avoided.
“Due to climate change, people in Dhaka are prone to use ACs for cooling off, and demand in local markets is also high. Whatever electronic products we use, must follow the check-ups after a certain time,” he added.
Incidents of AC blasts drew a nationwide attention again after six ACs exploded at a mosque in Narayanganj’s Fatulla during the night prayer on Friday, killing at least 17 people and injuring 20 others severely.
Doctors at the Sheikh Hasina Institute, where the injured underwent treatment, said death toll is likely to rise.
Meanwhile, the Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited formed a probe body on Narayanganj incident and asked it to report in five working days.
The Power Division also directed all power distribution companies to check electricity connections and ACs’ condition at all religious establishments under their jurisdictions.