A powerful explosion on an oil tanker on Sungandha river in Jhalokathi on Friday, left a crew member dead and seven others injured, local administration said.

The tanker, Sagar Nandini-3, was anchored at the dock when the blast occurred in its pump room while emptying octane from it, witnesses on board the vessel said.

The dead crew was identified as Kamrul Islam, while the seven others were undergoing treatment at Barishal’s Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital for burn injuries. Fire service members with the help of locals rescued the injured.

The tanker started sinking as its bottom was ripped apart by the impact of the explosion sending water gushing into it, said survivors.

Kobad Ali Sardar, assistant director of the Barisal Fire Service, said the fire was brought under control after an hour-long effort.

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Efforts are being made to prevent the ship from sinking. Arrangements are being made to unload the oil as soon as possible, he said.

Barishal Deputy Commissioner Johur Ali and Police Super Fatia Yasmin visited the site and ordered steps to stop an oil spill.

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