A gas pipeline burst and caused a fire in the Khatehara area of Narsingdi on Monday (Aug. 4), leaving thousands of household consumers and 30–35 industrial establishments without gas for hours, triggering widespread suffering and strong criticism from local residents.

The fire broke out around 5am due to a leak in a 6-inch diameter pipe running underground Titas Gas line.

Locals, upon noticing the flames, immediately informed emergency services by calling 999 and notified Titas Gas authorities.

The Fire Service responded quickly and brought the fire under control, but gas supply to several areas of the city and its outskirts, including Shalidha, Chauala, Khatehara, Kandapara, Satirpara, Kauriapara, Velanagar, Brahmandi, and Bilasadi, was completely shut down.

Al-Amin Sarkar, operations manager of Titas Gas, said the pipeline was restored by 6:30pm, and gas supply gradually resumed thereafter.

Engineer Maksudur Rahman, Narsingdi Area Manager for Titas Gas, said the fire was caused by a leak in the pipeline that supplies gas to approximately 4,000 to 4,500 households and 30 to 35 industrial units.

Residents said the incident caused serious disruptions to daily life, with households unable to cook and industries forced to halt operations.

Many accused Titas authorities of negligence, claiming that gas leakage from the line had been reported multiple times before the fire occurred, but no preventive action was taken.

“We informed Titas multiple times in writing. Had they taken action earlier, this could have been prevented,” said Alauddin Mia, a resident of Khatehara. “There are over 1,000 illegal connections in this area, established with the help of some corrupt Titas officials. Not only is the government losing crores in revenue, but lives are also at risk.”