At least three people, including two children, were killed and 10 others were injured in a hydrogen gas cylinder explosion in Matarbari area under Moheshkhali upazila in Cox’s Bazar on Friday (January 22).
The deceased were identified as Mohammad Ehsan, 12, son of Jahangir Alam of Dakshin Miazi Para area under Matarbari union of the upazila, Sadekul Islam Rahat, 13, son of Faridul Alam of Shikder Para area at the union, and Mohammad Alamgir, 42, owner of the gas cylinder. The two children were students of Mohammadia Masjidia Sunnia Hafezia Madrasa.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Moheshkhali Police Station Abdul Hye and local Union Parishad Chairman Mohammad Ullah confirmed the matter.
The incident took place on Azizia Kasemul Ulum Madrasa premises at Matarbari’s Nuton Bazar area when a balloon seller filling balloons with gas, leaving the minors dead on the spot and the others injured. The injured were sent to Matarbari Health Complex.
Among the injured, four have been referred to Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH) in critical condition. Moheshkhali Circle Additional Superintendent of Police Zahidur Rahman and other police officials visited the spot.