Fire
Building catches fire in Chattogram
A fire broke out at Moti Tower in Chwakbazar area in Chattogram port city on Saturday.
The fire started at a tailor’s shop on the ground floor of Moti Tower around 9:45 am and spread soon, said Shahidul Islam, senior station officer of Chandanpura Fire Service and Civil Defense.
On information, two firefighting units rushed to the spot and extinguished the blaze after one hour.
Also read: Narayanganj fire death toll rises to 2 as another victim dies
However, the origin of the fire could not be known immediately.
The extent of damages is yet to be ascertained.
Common Causes of Fires, Explosions at Homes, Offices, Markets, Industries
Fire hazards and explosions may occur unexpectedly and lead to devastating losses of human lives and structures. In recent years, such mishaps have increased significantly. It is crucial to understand the general causes of fire hazards, to reduce the risk and take preventive measures. Let’s explore some of the most common causes of explosions and fires in residential, commercial, and industrial spaces.
5 Major Sources of Indoor Explosions and Fires Hazards
Gas leaks
Gas leaks are one of the most common causes of explosions in Bangladesh. This can happen due to faulty gas pipelines, poorly maintained gas appliances, or improper gas connections.
Electrical faults
Electrical faults such as short circuits, overloaded circuits, or faulty wiring can lead to explosions. This can happen when electrical appliances are used improperly or when they are not maintained properly.
Read More: Gas explosion at residential, commercial buildings: Common causes and ways to prevent them
Chemical explosions
Chemical explosions can occur in commercial spaces where chemicals are stored or used. This can happen due to improper storage or handling of chemicals, or when incompatible chemicals are stored together.
Pressure vessel explosions
Pressure vessel explosions can occur in industrial settings where high-pressure vessels are used. This can happen due to improper maintenance, overpressure, or corrosion.
47 shops gutted in Bandarban‘s Thanchi market fire
At least 47 shops were gutted in a fire at Bolibazar area in Bandarban’s Thanchi upazila this morning (March 22).
Locals said the fire broke out at a shop in the market at around 5:50 am, and it soon engulfed the adjoining shops.
On information, two fire service units reached the site and it took them nearly two hours to douse the flames, reports the UNB correspondent.
Also Read: Hanif Paribahan bus catches fire in Chattogram
Thanchi upazila Chairman Thoai Hla Mong Marma said locals informed him that the fire broke out from an electric stove.
No casualties were reported as of writing this report at 11 am.
2 injured as fire breaks out in Narayanganj building following explosion
Two people were injured when a building partially collapsed due to an "explosion that triggered a fire" in Nitaiganj of Narayanganj district town today (March 18, 2023).
The injured were taken to a local hospital.
Shahjahan Shikdar, deputy assistant director (media cell) of Fire Service and Civil Defence, said a fire broke out at the two-story building in the area around 9 am following an explosion.
Also read: At least 10 people dead in house fire in Pakistan
A part of the building collapsed after the explosion, he said.
On information, six firefighting units rushed to the spot and are trying to bring the fire under control.
However, what caused the explosion and fire could not be known immediately, he said.
Read More: Gas explosion at residential, commercial buildings: Common causes and ways to prevent them
Gas explosion at residential, commercial buildings: Common causes and ways to prevent them
In recent years, reports of gas explosions in Dhaka city and other places in Bangladesh are worryingly becoming more frequent. Whether it’s a residential building, market, warehouse, or business center, there is a looming threat of gas explosion. Several factors may trigger a gas blast and cause fatal damage to human lives and properties. Let’s take a look at what causes gas explosions and how to minimize the risks.
Common Causes of Gas Explosions in Residential Buildings
A residential building and flats in it face major risk when required safety measures against gas explosions are not taken. There have been many incidents of gas explosions in residential units simply due to carelessness and lack of proper measures. Here are some possible reasons for gas explosions in residential units.
Gas Leaks
One of the prime causes of gas explosions in residential buildings is gas leak. Apartments or houses use gas cylinders or direct gas lines. If there is a leak in the line or the cylinder, it might potentially cause explosions if the home unit doesn’t have good ventilation.
Read More: Fire Safety in Apartments: Causes and Prevention
Faulty Gas Appliances
Gas appliances like cookers, stoves, ovens, or heaters can malfunction and cause gas leakage. If the gas stove or cooker is not properly connected to the gas line, it may leak gas and lead to explosions. In many residential buildings and apartments, people tend to use expired gas cylinders which may cause gas explosions.
Poorly Maintained Gas Equipment
The gas line and the cylinder can also be the source of gas explosion. For example, if the main supply line or the cylinder gets corroded, it might end up leaking gas at different spots. Such leakages may culminate into explosions in contact with fire or sparks.
Air conditioners and refrigerators are equipped with non-supply gas storage or operated systems. Without proper maintenance, these appliances may deteriorate over time and cause fatal consequences.
Improper Installation
Gas units should always be installed under the supervision of a trained professional. Improper installation may lead to gas leaks. It’s better to avoid DIY procedures to avoid gas leaks and subsequent explosions.
Read More: Workplace Fire Safety: 12 Effective Ways to Prevent Fire Hazards
Faulty Connections
In many cases, gas leaks in residential buildings and apartments are caused by faulty connections in the gas pipeline. When the gas, trapped in a closed room or space, comes in contact with flame or spark, it can cause an explosion.
Natural Disasters
Natural disasters can also be possible causes of gas explosions. In the event of a natural disaster like cyclone, earthquake, or flood, gas lines or cylinders can leak which might lead to explosions.
Those who set fire on rail line are outsiders: RU VC
Rajshahi University vice-chancellor Prof Golam Sabbir Sattar has said those who set fire on rail line are not the students of the university but outsiders.
Prof Sattar said this in a press briefing at administrative building of the university around 1:30 on Monday, a day after the incident.
"We tried to make the agitating students understand to stop the demonstrations and are working to solve the issue," the VC said.
"We also assured the student of fulfilling their demands. The authorities will work to restrict the outsiders on the campus."
Students have been asked to bring university ID card while roaming on the campus, he said.
Prof Golam Sabbir said they are also working to ensure proper treatment of the students who were injured during the clash.
He said the university will resume academic and administrative activities on Tuesday.
"Police fired rubber bullet and hurled tear gas shells during the clash between the students and locals. University administration did not ask them to fire."
Read more: 500 sued over clash between RU students, locals
A 5-member committee has been formed to investigate the incident, he said adding, the committee was asked to submit the report within the7 working days.
A group of youths set fire to railway tracks on Sunday night following the clash between students and locals, halting rail communication between Rajshahi and Dhaka.
Around 8pm, the students set fire to the rail line near the Faculty of Fine Arts of the university, Rajshahi Railway Station Super Abdul Karim said.
The clash took place in the city's Binodpur area near the university campus on Saturday night, leaving at least 200 students injured.
The students of the university blocked the Dhaka-Rajshahi highway on Sunday to protest the “attack on them by locals and police on Saturday.”
In addition, the students demonstrated in front of the administrative building of the university and locked the building to protest the incident.
The protesting students shouted slogans with their six-point demand, calling for justice.
Justice for the attack on RU students by locals and police, stopping the entry of outsiders in the university and ensuring safety of the students, ensuring on-campus accommodation for all students, ensuring proper treatment of the injured students were among the demands.
4 dead as microbus catches fire after accident in Mymensingh
Four people, including a child, were burned to death and seven others injured when a microbus overturned and caught fire at Rangamati on Dhaka-Mymensingh highway in Trishal upazila of the district.
The deceased are Dolena Khatun, Rezia Khatun, Zarina Khatun, and seven-year-old Ashiq.
Mohammad Maeen Uddin, officer-in-charge of Trishal police station, said when the microbus was heading towards Dhaka from Dhobaura upazila around 2am it overturned and caught fire.
Also Read: Mother, son sustain burn injuries in explosion at N’ganj building
On information, a team of firefighters went to the spot and doused the fire, said Abul Kalam, station officer of Trishal Fire Service Station.
They recovered four charred bodies from inside the microbus, he said.
The injured passengers were rushed to Mymensingh Medical College and Hospital and five of them are in critical condition.
One of the injured was transferred to Dhaka for advanced treatment.
The bodies of the victims were handed over to their families.
RU students set fire to railway tracks: Rajshahi-Dhaka rail communication snapped
A group of Rajshahi University students set fire to railway tracks on Sunday night following the clash between students and locals, halting rail communication between Rajshahi and Dhaka.
Around 8pm, the students set fire to the rail line near the Faculty of Fine Arts of the university, Rajshahi Railway Station Super Abdul Karim said.
Rajshahi-bound Madhumoti Express got stuck at Haryana Railway Station following the incident, he added.
Besides, Banglabandha Express, which was scheduled to depart from Rajshahi at 9:30 pm, also got stranded at Rajshahi Railway Station.
The station super also expressed doubt about the departure of Dhumketu Express, which is scheduled to leave for Dhaka at 11:00 pm.
The clashes took place in the city's Binodpur area near the university campus on Saturday, leaving at least 200 students injured.
Earlier on Sunday, the students of the university blocked the Dhaka-Rajshahi highway to protest the “attack on them by locals and police” last night.
Members of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) were deployed on the highway to control the situation, UNB’s RU correspondent said.
Fire at Sitakunda cotton warehouse under control after around 22 hrs
The fire that broke out at a cotton godown in Sitakunda upazila of Chattogram district yesterday (March 11, 2023) morning was brought under control this morning, around 22 hours after the incident.
Sultan Mahmud, senior station officer of Kumira Fire Service and Civil Defence, confirmed the development, saying that the fire was brought under control with the help of Bangladesh Army and Navy around 8 am this (March 12, 2023) morning.
Members of the army, navy and fire service are tirelessly working to douse the blaze completely, he said.
The army will brief about the incident when the fire is extinguished, the fire service officer added.
Read more: Sitakunda cotton godown fire: Army, Navy join efforts to control the blaze
On Saturday night, members of the army and navy joined the fire service in fighting the fire.
Meanwhile, a 10-member probe committee, headed by Chattogram district administration’s deputy director Badiul Alam, was formed to investigate the fire.
The committee was asked to submit a report within 5 working days, Md Towhidul Islam, executive magistrate of the district administration, said.
He said there were 2700 tonnes of cotton inside the warehouse which made it difficult to bring the fire under control.
Read More: Sitakunda cotton godown fire: Army, Navy join efforts to control the blaze
The fire started at the cotton warehouse of Unitex Group in Chhoto Kumira area around 10:30 am yesterday.
On information, five firefighting units from two stations responded to the fire and almost brought the blaze under control around 12 pm.
But as the fire flared up again, firefighters struggled to douse the fire due to a lack of a constant supply of water in the area.
Six more firefighting units joined in around 8 pm last night.
Read More EU releases €1 million in emergency aid for people affected by fire in Rohingya camp in Bangladesh
The origin of the fire and the extent of damage could not be ascertained immediately.
Earlier on March 4, six people were burned to death and around 33 sustained injuries in a fire after a massive blast at Seema Oxygen Plant in the upazila.
Sitakunda cotton godown fire: Army, Navy join efforts to control the blaze
Bangladesh Army and Navy joined Fire Service and Civil Defence in fighting the fire that broke out Saturday morning at a cotton godown in front of a container depot in Sitakunda upazila of Chattogram.
Firefighting units of the Army and Navy reached the spot around 9:30pm to assist the fire service, said Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Abul Bashar Mohammed Fakhruzzaman.
Meanwhile, a 10-member probe committee, headed by Chattogram deputy director (local government) Badiul Alam, has been formed to investigate the fire.
“The committee has been asked to submit a report within 5 working days,” Mohammad Fakhruzzaman added.
Shafiqul Islam, station officer of Chattogram Fire Service and Civil Defence, said the fire started at the cotton warehouse of ‘Unitex Group’ in front of the ‘Namson Container Depot’ in Chhoto Kumira area around 10:30am.
On information, five firefighting units from two stations responded to the fire and almost brought the blaze under control around 12:00pm, he added.
But as the fire flared up again, firefighters struggled to douse the fire due to a lack of a constant supply of water in the area, senior Fire Service officer Sultan Mahmud said.
Later, four additional units joined the operation, he added.
The origin of the fire and the extent of damage could not be ascertained immediately, he added.
Earlier on March 4, six people were burned to death and around 33 sustained injuries in a fire after a massive blast at ‘Seema Oxygen Plant’ in the upazila.