A fire fuelled by gas emerging from a deep tube-well drilling site in Inani, Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, continued to burn for more than 30 hours until 1:30 pm on Wednesday after breaking out at 7:20 am on Tuesday. The flames have intensified, while electricity supply to 3,800 families across an area stretching about 15 kilometres from Mankhali to Patuartek has been suspended to prevent accidents.
The administration has also restricted public movement within a 200-meter radius of the site for safety reasons. The Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company (BAPEX) is investigating the fire’s source, the nature of the gas, and the cause of its emergence.
Landowner Mohammad Abdullah said deep tube-well drilling began on the property around 15 days ago. After a week of drilling to nearly 1,000 meters without finding water, the workers stopped and left. About a week later, gas began emerging from the drilling site. The fire reportedly started when the gas came into contact with a nearby electrical wire.
Fire service personnel rushed to the scene after receiving the report and tried to bring the situation under control, but the fire continued to burn.
Engineer Kaizar Noor, deputy general manager of the Ukhiya zonal office of Cox’s Bazar Palli Bidyut Samity, said a problem had developed in the 33-kilovolt main power line following the incident. As the fire remained uncontrolled, authorities continued consultations with the administration.
He said work was underway to install a new power line along an alternative route about 200 meters away, following consultations with a BAPEX delegation and on its advice. Power supply was expected to return to normal by Wednesday evening.
Meanwhile, a BAPEX expert team visited the site to identify the fire’s source and determine the nature of the gas. After an initial inspection on Tuesday night, the experts returned on Wednesday to continue investigating the cause of the gas release and the origin of the flames.
As news of the incident spread, curious onlookers gathered from nearby areas. Police were working to control the situation and reduce the risk of further accidents.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
