Ambulance explosion at Bagerhat District Hospital leaves driver injured and eight motorcycles destroyed
Photo Collected
An ambulance explosion at the Bagerhat 250-Bed District Hospital left the driver injured and destroyed eight motorcycles parked nearby on Tuesday. The incident, which occurred around 12:15 p.m. in front of the facility’s old building, sparked panic among patients and staff before being extinguished by fire services within an hour.
Fire Service and Civil Defence Deputy Assistant Director Mohammad Saiduzzaman stated that initial investigations suggest the fire was triggered by a gas leak from a cylinder inside the ambulance. The vehicle’s driver, identified as Farid, sustained burn injuries and was provided with emergency medical assistance before being transferred to Dhaka for specialized treatment.
Witnesses reported that the private ambulance had arrived at the hospital premises to collect a patient. Shortly before the patient could board, a series of loud explosions occurred, rapidly igniting the vehicle and spreading flames to eight adjacent motorcycles. Among the destroyed motorbikes were vehicles belonging to staff from the Directorate General of Family Planning and the National Security Intelligence (NSI), as well as visitors.
Hospital Superintendent Asim Kumar Samaddar confirmed that while smoke permeated the outpatient department, there was no structural damage to the hospital building. Authorities are currently assessing whether any medical equipment was compromised. Following the blast, the hospital’s electricity supply was temporarily disconnected as a precautionary measure.
Local officials, including Member of Parliament for Bagerhat-2 Sheikh Monjurul Haque Rahad, Deputy Commissioner Golam Md. Baten, Superintendent of Police Hasan Mohammad Naser Rikabdar, and Civil Surgeon Md. Mahabubul Alam, visited the site to assess the situation.
MP Sheikh Monjurul Haque Rahad noted that the hospital narrowly avoided a major catastrophe. He announced that an investigation committee will be formed to determine the exact cause of the blaze and identify any negligence. The Civil Surgeon emphasized the urgent need for regular safety inspections of gas and oxygen cylinders, as well as fitness certifications for ambulances operating in the region. Plans are also underway to implement stricter regulations regarding vehicle parking zones and fire safety protocols within the hospital complex.
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