Three workers sustained serious burn injuries following an air conditioner compressor explosion at the six-storey building of Chattogram Medical College (CMC) Hospital on Monday morning. The incident occurred on the rooftop of the building adjacent to the Gynaecology Ward.
Two of the injured have been admitted to the burn unit, while one is in the ICU after inhaling toxic gas. Doctors have described the condition of the latter two as critical.
The loud explosion caused panic throughout the hospital premises, with patients and their relatives fleeing in fear. In response, the hospital’s electrical department, fire brigade, and police rushed to the scene and temporarily cut the power supply to the ward.
Brigadier General Taslim Uddin, Director of CMC Hospital, confirmed that the explosion occurred during maintenance work by the Public Works Department. All three injured were PWD workers, and some suffered severed veins. Fortunately, no patients or hospital staff were harmed.
An investigation committee has been formed to determine the cause of the explosion, with a preliminary report expected within 24 hours. CMC sources said the AC units were old and had cooling issues. The blast completely damaged the compressor and pipeline.
