At least 17 people, including firefighters, suffered burn injuries in a fire triggered by explosion at an LPG refuelling station in the Kalatali area of Cox’s Bazar town on Wednesday night. Authorities said the number of casualties may rise further.
The identities of the victims could not be immediately confirmed.
The blaze damaged more than 50 nearby houses and shops, while at least 30 vehicles parked around the station were reduced to ashes.
Around 8pm, a gas leakage was reported at the station on Kalatali Bus Terminal Bypass Road. Fire service members rushed to the spot to contain the situation. However, around 9pm, a massive explosion occurred, spreading flames across the area. At least 17 people sustained burns, while three others were injured.
Seven of the burn victims were sent to Chattogram Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.
Syed Md Morshed Hossain, deputy assistant director of Cox’s Bazar Fire Service and Civil Defense, said, “Initially, it is suspected that the explosion occurred when accumulated flammable gas from the leakage came into contact with fire. After the leakage was brought under control, a sudden explosion occurred, spreading flames rapidly in all directions. Seven units are working at the scene. We are making maximum efforts to control the fire and taking necessary measures to keep the surrounding area safe.”
With efforts from seven fire service units from Cox’s Bazar and surrounding upazilas, the fire was brought under control around 1am.
The intensity of the blast caused extensive damage to the area adjacent to the station. District administration and law enforcement officials evacuated residents to safe locations.
Vehicular movement was suspended from Kalatali Bus Terminal to the town’s bypass road, though law enforcers tried to keep traffic normal through alternative routes.
