3 killed, many injured in cylinder explosion in microbus in Bogra

The joy of returning home for Eid holidays turned to grief in an instant. Three people, including the driver, were killed and at least 9 people, including three children, were injured in a gas cylinder explosion in a microbus carrying passengers in the Chonka area of ​​Sherpur Upazila.

The horrific accident occurred around 7:30 am on Wednesday. The deceased were identified as Shiuli Begum (48), Tayeba Khatun (35) and driver Rintu (47). Among the injured are children and the elderly, all of whom are said to be in critical condition.

According to police and local sources, when the microbus bound for North Bengal from Dhaka reached the Chonka area, the gas cylinder suddenly exploded with a loud noise. The fire immediately spread throughout the vehicle. The intensity of the fire was so high that many passengers did not get a chance to get out.

Eyewitnesses said that the microbus was engulfed in flames within an instant. The driver was burnt to death inside. Later, the Fire Service and Civil Defense reached the spot and brought the fire under control and rescued the injured and sent them to the hospital.

The injured have been admitted to Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital. Two more people died while undergoing treatment there, taking the death toll to three.

Law enforcement officials said that the car involved in the accident has been recovered and the body will be handed over to the relatives after completing the necessary legal procedures.

This incident has once again raised big questions about the safety of using gas cylinders in passenger vehicles. There is a demand to rethink how safe such a risky system is, especially during busy times like the Eid pilgrimage.