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Three people, including a child, sustained burn injuries after a sudden explosion occurred in a sand-filled sack kept beside a house in Barishal’s Bakerganj upazila on Monday morning, prompting authorities to launch an investigation into the cause of the blast.
The incident took place at Dudhalmou village under Bhorpasha union at around 7:00am.
The injured were identified as Hanufa Begum, wife of homeowner Shah Alam Hawlader, their daughter Iti Akter, 18, and grandson Fahim, 15. They were first taken to Bakerganj Upazila Health Complex before being referred to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal for advanced treatment.
According to family members, the explosion occurred unexpectedly in a sack filled with sand that had been kept beside the house.
Shah Alam’s son, Jamal Hossain, said a loud explosion suddenly erupted from the sack, setting his mother, sister and nephew on fire. In an attempt to extinguish the flames, the three jumped into the nearby Tulatala River before local residents rushed to rescue them and took them to hospital.
Residents said they were startled by the powerful blast but were unable to determine what had caused it.
Neighbour Enayet Hossain said he woke up after hearing a loud explosion and later learned that three members of the neighbouring family had suffered burn injuries.
Barishal Superintendent of Police AZM Mustafizur Rahman said authorities had not yet identified the nature of the explosive material.
“We do not know what type of explosive it was, nor can we confirm whether there are any more explosive materials at the site,” he said.
The police chief said the Bomb Disposal Unit from Dhaka had been informed and was expected to reach the scene later in the day. He added that law enforcement agencies were thoroughly investigating the incident and urged residents not to panic.
Following the explosion, members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Detective Branch (DB) of Police and senior police officials visited the site and cordoned off the area.
Officer-in-Charge of Bakerganj Police Station Adil Hossain said the incident was being treated with importance. However, authorities have not yet confirmed whether the object involved was an improvised explosive device or another type of explosive.
At Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital, nurse Lincoln Dutta said the three victims were initially admitted to the male surgery ward before the two female patients were transferred to the female surgery ward. He said the extent of their burn injuries could not be confirmed immediately.
Police said further details would be known after forensic experts and the bomb disposal team complete their examination of the scene.