An LPG reservoir tank exploded at an auto conversion filling station in Rangpur’s CO Bazar area on Saturday afternoon, killing one person and injuring at least 12 others. The blast occurred around 12pm at the Messers CO Bazar LPG Auto Conversion Centre.
According to police and hospital sources, several injured were taken to Rangpur Medical College Hospital, where one person was declared dead on arrival. The identity of the deceased was not immediately known.
The explosion severely damaged the surrounding area. At least 20 parked ambulances and microbuses were mangled by the blast. Nearby shops and residential buildings developed cracks, windows shattered, and the tank itself was found destroyed on the ground. The Rangpur-Dinajpur highway experienced heavy traffic congestion following the incident. Fire service, police, and civil defense personnel were on-site for rescue and assessment. The extent of the damage has yet to be determined.
Locals reported hearing a loud bang that shook the area and was audible from over a kilometer away. A resident, Shakil, said he rushed to the site and found vehicles, shops, and houses extensively damaged. The injured were quickly taken to hospital.
Md Badsha Masud Alam, assistant director of Rangpur Fire Service and Civil Defence, said the filling station was closed for maintenance at the time. Although the tank was empty, leaked gas accumulated inside and exploded due to pressure build-up.