A devastating fire that broke out at the newly built “Cox’s Bazar LPG Station” in the Kalatoli area of Cox’s Bazar was brought under control early Thursday after nearly four hours of efforts. At least 10 people sustained burn injuries in the incident, officials said.
Although the blaze reportedly began in the afternoon on Wednesday, it intensified around 10:20pm. Firefighters managed to bring the fire under control at approximately 2:00am.
Confirming the matter at the scene, Syed Muhammad Morshed Hossain, deputy assistant director of Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence in Cox’s Bazar, said two fire service units initially responded to the emergency.
Additional units from Ramu and Ukhiya later joined, bringing the total to seven firefighting units.
He added that members of the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force also assisted in the operation, with a combined 10 units working to contain the blaze.
Due to ongoing gas leakage, the area cannot yet be declared fully risk-free, and fire service personnel remain on site for monitoring.
Preliminary findings suggest the fire originated from a gas leak during unloading operations.
However, he stated that they have yet to determine the full extent of the damage.
District Commissioner Md Abdul Mannan said at least 10 people were injured in the fire.
Of them, two were released after receiving primary treatment, while seven others were sent to Chattogram for advanced medical care.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing smoke rising from the station premises before flames quickly engulfed the entire facility.
The presence of stored LPG intensified the fire, prompting fears of explosions.
Nearby residents fled their homes and sought shelter in safer locations amid widespread panic.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
