BOGRA: A machine operator was killed and nine others were injured in a gas pipe (ESP) blast at a ceramic factory at Zogarpara area under Kahalu upazila of the district on Saturday.

The deceased was identified as Abdul Alim, 25, hailed from Darial village of the upazila.

Factory manager M Mostaq and two witnesses told banglanews the ceramic factory was closed for 15 days due to coal shortage.

Abdul Alim was cleaning the ESP as part of renovative works. Suddenly, he became unconscious inhelling leaked gas.

Nine other workers fell sick gradually while trying to rescue Abdul Alim.

Local people rushed them to Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College and Hospital (SZMC) where Abdul Alim died under treatment.

Officer-in-Charge of Kahalu Thana Saumitra Kumar Kundu confirmed the matter to banglanews.

BDST: 2110 HRS, DEC 06, 2014