Helium cylinder blast injures balloon seller and four others in Rajshahi

Five people were seriously injured in a gas cylinder explosion in Godagari upazila of Rajshahi on Friday.

The incident occurred around 11:30 am in front of Safina Park in the Digram area.

The injured were identified as Rakibul Islam, 65, and Jalsori, 35, from Dewanpara village, Godagari; Hamim Ali, 17, from Chakpara village, Shibganj, Chapainawabganj; Ekramul Haque, 54, and Roni Ahmed, 22, from Sirajpur village, Niamatpur, Naogaon.

According to locals, a balloon seller was filling balloons with helium gas from a cylinder when it exploded, injuring him and four others.

Dr. Shankar K. Roy, spokesperson and emergency in-charge at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH), said, “All five were admitted to the burn unit, Ward 29, with burns on various parts of their bodies. Their treatment is ongoing.”