Death toll rises to 5, probe body formed

The death toll from Thursday’s explosion at a re-rolling mill in Bhulta Gauchia area of Rupganj upazila under Narayanganj district, climbed to five as another victim died on Saturday.

The deceased was identified as Golam Rabbani, 35, of Lalmonirhat district.

Rabbani, who sustained 95% burn injuries died at Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery early Saturday, said Inspector Bachchu Mia, in charge of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital police camp.

Earlier, on Thursday, seven workers were injured in an explosion which took place at the mill when they were melting iron inside it in the afternoon.

One worker died on Thursday and three more succumbed to their injuries while undergoing treatment at Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery on Friday.

Meanwhile, a three-member probe body has been formed to investigate the explosion.

Rupganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer formed the probe committee where Mostafizur Rahman, in charge of Bhulta police outpost, will act as the convenor of the committee.

Earlier, local administration officials led by UNO Faisal Haque visited the factory on Friday afternoon.

Later, all the activities of the factory were shut down, and the gas and electricity connections were disconnected, said Mostafizur Rahman, in charge of Bhulta police outpost.

Meanwhile, no case or complaint has yet been lodged with the police on behalf of the families of the deceased.

Officer-in-charge (OC) of Rupganj police station, AFM Syed, said that if the families of the victims do not file any case or complaint, the police will file a case as a plaintiff.