A man was burnt to death and four others were injured in an ice mill explosion in Patuakhali's Bauphal upazila on Tuesday (April 25) night.

The deceased was identified as Rasel Khan, 37, a resident of the upazila town.

The incident took place around 11:30 pm at Khan Ice Mill in Kalaia Launch Ghat area.

According to the injured workers, the machine of the ice mill malfunctioned shortly before the incident. After solving the technical error, the ice making machine made a loud noise when it was started. Then, gas spread throughout the room. The workers ran out, but Rasel, the assistant director of the mill, was trapped inside that room.

Later, the fire service personnel reached the spot but due to the intensity of the gas, their rescue work was delayed.

After about half an hour Dashmina and Bauphal fire service personnel jointly rescued everyone and admitted them to Barisal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital.

Bauphal Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) ATM Arichul Haque confirmed the matter.
Initially we assume that the gas cylinder did not explode. Leakage at the supply point of the cylinder has ruptured and the rupture causes a loud noise, said Bauphal Fire Service and Civil Defense station officer Arifuzzaman.

The victim may have been too close to the cylinder so he was burnt by the intense heat of the gas, he added.

BDST: 1237 HRS, APRIL 26, 2023
MSK