One person was killed and three others injured in a thermal oil heater explosion at an industrial factory in Sreemangal upazila of Moulvibazar on Saturday night.
The incident took place around 10:30pm on January 17 at Rashni Poly Fiber Industries Limited, located in the Sarkar Bazar area. According to factory sources, the explosion occurred when a sudden backfire happened during maintenance work on the thermal oil heater machine.
The deceased was identified as Md Asadul Islam, 42, who was serving as an assistant manager at the factory. He hailed from Gaibandha district.
Three others were injured in the incident — boiler helper Md Abdul Hakim from Sirajganj, electrician Md Abdul Bashar Chesti from Bogura, and Golam Rabbani from Dhaka. Factory officials said Golam Rabbani had come to the factory to provide technical servicing.
Rashni Poly Fiber Industries’ residence manager Shakil Ahmed said the explosion happened due to a backfire during maintenance work. “Our assistant manager died on the spot, while three others were injured and are currently undergoing treatment,” he said, adding that a four-member investigation committee has been formed to determine the cause of the incident.
Sreemangal police station officer-in-charge Sheikh Jahirul Islam said an unnatural death case has been filed in connection with the incident. “The body is currently at Moulvibazar Sadar Hospital following post-mortem and will be handed over to the family afterward,” he added.