Brahmanbaria, Bangladesh — An explosion of an electric transformer near a women’s madrassah has resulted in burn injuries for eight students, following a distressing incident that unfolded Wednesday afternoon.
The explosion occurred around 3:45 p.m. at the Darul Najat Women’s Madrasa while students were attending classes on the fourth floor. Witnesses reported that the transformer, located close to the madrassah, suddenly burst, igniting a fire that quickly spread within the building.
The injured students, ranging in age from 6 to 30 years, were identified as Sadia Akter, Rubaiya, Ayman, Nusrat, Alia, Tuiba, Rowza, and Afrin. According to Afrin’s uncle, Md Anwar, the chaos ensued moments after the transformer exploded, causing panic and confusion among the students and staff.
Local residents swiftly responded to the emergency by rescuing the injured and transporting them to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery for urgent medical care. This quick action likely mitigated the severity of the injuries sustained by the students.
Shawon Bin Rahman, a resident physician at the medical facility, reported that the injuries varied significantly, with burn percentages ranging from 2% to as high as 14%. Five of the students have been treated and released, while three remain under observation in the emergency department.
Authorities and local officials are expected to investigate the incident further to determine the cause of the transformer explosion. Community members expressed shock over the incident, urging for enhanced safety measures around educational institutions.
The madrassah, a central part of the community’s education system, is left grappling with the aftermath of the explosion, and parents are calling for more consistent safety protocols to protect students. Families and local leaders are anxiously awaiting updates on the health of those still receiving treatment, hoping for a swift recovery for all the affected children.