In recent years, reports of gas explosions in Dhaka city and other places in Bangladesh are worryingly becoming more frequent. Whether it’s a residential building, market, warehouse, or business center, there is a looming threat of gas explosion. Several factors may trigger a gas blast and cause fatal damage to human lives and properties. Let’s take a look at what causes gas explosions and how to minimize the risks. Common Causes of Gas Explosions in Residential Buildings A residential building and flats in it face major risk when required safety measures against gas explosions are not taken. There have been many incidents of gas explosions in residential units simply due to carelessness and lack of proper measures. Here are some possible reasons for gas explosions in residential units. Gas Leaks One of the prime causes of gas explosions in residential buildings is gas leak. Apartments or houses use gas cylinders or direct gas lines. If there is a leak in the line or the cylinder, it might potentially cause explosions if the home unit doesn’t have good ventilation. Read More: Fire Safety in Apartments: Causes and Prevention Faulty Gas Appliances Gas appliances like cookers, stoves, ovens, or heaters can malfunction and cause gas leakage. If the gas stove or cooker is not properly connected to the gas line, it may leak gas and lead to explosions. In many residential buildings and apartments, people tend to use expired gas cylinders which may cause gas explosions. Poorly Maintained Gas Equipment The gas line and the cylinder can also be the source of gas explosion. For example, if the main supply line or the cylinder gets corroded, it might end up leaking gas at different spots. Such leakages may culminate into explosions in contact with fire or sparks. Air conditioners and refrigerators are equipped with non-supply gas storage or operated systems. Without proper maintenance, these appliances may deteriorate over time and cause fatal consequences. Improper Installation Gas units should always be installed under the supervision of a trained professional. Improper installation may lead to gas leaks. It’s better to avoid DIY procedures to avoid gas leaks and subsequent explosions. Read More: Workplace Fire Safety: 12 Effective Ways to Prevent Fire Hazards Faulty Connections  In many cases, gas leaks in residential buildings and apartments are caused by faulty connections in the gas pipeline. When the gas, trapped in a closed room or space, comes in contact with flame or spark, it can cause an explosion. Natural Disasters Natural disasters can also be possible causes of gas explosions. In the event of a natural disaster like cyclone, earthquake, or flood, gas lines or cylinders can leak which might lead to explosions. 

Two women were killed and more than 15 others injured after a five-storey building in Narayanganj’s Fatullah area partially collapsed following an explosion early on Friday morning. The deceased were identified as Maya Rani, 40, a resident of an adjacent building, and Mangali Rani, 35, a pedestrian. None of the victims was from the ill-fated house. READ: 5 injured in Sonargaon factory gas leak fire Narayanganj Fire Service assistant deputy director Abdullah Al Arefin said a gas leak led to the explosion at the building owned by Moktar Mia in Lalkhan Mor around 6am.  The explosion triggered the collapse of the walls of some flats in the building, which in turn, created a ripple effect and led to wall collapse in three adjoining houses, leaving Maya Rani dead on spot and eight injured in the immediate neighbouring building. The injured were sent to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) in a critical condition. Also injured were Mangali Rani who was talking a stroll with her daughter Purnima. Both were taken to Victoria Hospital in the city, where the mother succumbed to her injuries, the fire officer said. Another tenant of another house next to the ill-fated one, Binoy, his wife Nipa and their two children were sleeping when the wall fell on them, leaving them seriously injured. Narayanganj Deputy Commissioner Mostain Billah said a 10-member probe committee has been formed to investigate the case. READ: Narayanganj gas leak explosion victim dies Rakibuzzaman, officer-in-charge of Fatullah Model police Slstation, said eight people were undergoing treatment at DMCH. "The other injured are being treated at local hospitals." Legal action will be taken after the probe, the OC added.

At least five people sustained severe burns in a fire triggered by a gas leakage at Niki Dyeing Factory in Kanchpur-Noyabari area of Sonargaon. The victims are security guards Heaven Chakma, 22, and Najir Uddin, 25; and workers Alam, 25, Mehedi Hasan, 24 and Bashir Ahmed, 25. They are being treated at Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. Dr Partha Shankar Pal said Mehedi suffered 60% burns, Bashir 48%, Najir 22%, Alam 17%, and Heaven 15%. Factory Manager Mahbubur Rahman said gas leakage in the RMS room sparked the fire in the early morning. Deputy Director of Narayanganj Fire Service Md Tanharul Islam said the workers got injured while dousing the blaze. Assistant Manager of Sonargaon Titas Gas Company said the dyeing factory authorities did not inform them about the leakage but they are looking into the matter.

A woman, who sustained 90 percent burns in Friday’s gas leak explosion in Narayanganj, succumbed to her injuries on Monday.  Aleya Begum, 42, breathed her last around 1am in the ICU of Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. Her son in-law Biplob said five of their family members, including his three-month-old son Mahir, are still being treated at the hospital for burn injuries. Also read: 11 burnt in Narayanganj gas leak explosion Others injured in the incident have been released from the hospital, he said. On April 23, at least 11 people were injured in a gas leak explosion at a building in Narayanganj's Fatullah. Dhaka Medical College Hospital police outpost Inspector Bacchu Mia said Aleya had suffered 90 percent burns. Also read: Three killed in Gaibandha explosion Narayanganj district administration has assured of providing financial support for the treatment of the injured and formed a seven-member committee on Friday to look into the incident.

At least 11 people, including a three-month-old, have sustained burn injuries following a gas leak explosion at a building in Narayanganj's Fatullah. The explosion occurred in a flat on the third floor of the three-storey building in the Paschim Talla area in the early hours of the day as gas leaked from the stove. On information, three units of fire service rushed to the scene, doused the flames and sent the injured to the hospital after rescuing them. Abdullah Al Arefin, deputy director of Narayanganj Fire Service and Civil Defence, said: "Some apparel workers live with their families on the third floor of the building. One of the families forgot to turn off the stove at night, and it caused the rooms to be filled with gas as all windows and doors were closed. Also read: Narayanganj fire victim dies at DMCH "The explosion happened as someone tried to light a stove in the morning," he added. The injured were identified as Habibur Rahman (50), Limon (20), Shathi (20), Mim (20), Mahira (three-month-old), Aleya (50), Sonahar (40), Shanti (32), Samiul (20), and Monowara (22). Another victim remained unidentified. Five of the injured including the three-month-old were sent to Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery for their critical conditions; others were admitted to a local hospital.