Explosion at chemical factory in Malaysia kills three Munshiganj expats 

At least three Bangladeshi expatriates in Malaysia succumbed to injuries sustained in an explosion at a chemical factory, according to their family members and media reports.

All three deceased - Jabbar Ali, 42, son of Razzaq Bhuiyan; Abu Taher, 32, son of Abu Taher; Salam, 24, son of Mohiuddin - were residents of Ward-9 of the Munshiganj municipality area, our correspondent reports.

They died while being under treatment for injuries sustained in an explosion at the Southern Industrial and Logistics Clusters (SILC) on Friday (11 October).

Family members, citing Malaysian High Commission officials, said Jabbar died on the same day, Taher on Saturday and Salam today (13 October). 

However, their bodies are yet to return to the country.

At midnight on Saturday, Bangla Daily Kaler Kantho, citing Malaysian High Commission sources, reported that three workers had succumbed to injuries from the explosion. 

Quoting First Labour Secretary ASM Zahidur Rahman, the report said the bodies of the expats will be brought to the country soon. 

"We have contacted the company. The High Commission of Bangladesh in Malaysia is trying its best to secure compensation for the families of the dead from the company," he also said.

Earlier on the day, Malaysian news outlet the New Straits Times reported that two Bangladeshi workers severely injured in the fire at the SILC have died, while a third remains hospitalised.

The first victim passed away at 10pm on Friday, while the second died at 2:15am yesterday, the report said, citing District police chief Assistant Commissioner M Kumarasan.

According to the report, SILC, located on a 1,300-acre industrial site, comprises 85 factory lots along Jalan Kemajuan SILC.

The fire started around 11:30am at one of the factories, quickly spreading to nearby units due to combustible materials, including highly flammable Methyl Ethyl Ketone (thinner).