Fire at NCT damages RTG crane, two containers; probe committee formed
According to port officials, firefighters brought the fire fully under control at around 3:15pm.
A fire that broke out at the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) of Chattogram Port this afternoon (22 June) damaged a Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) crane and two containers, prompting authorities to form an investigation committee to determine the cause of the incident.
The blaze erupted around 2:30pm in the engine of RTG 4014 at Berth No 4 in the southern section of the terminal, forcing the temporary suspension of container handling operations at the jetty.
According to port officials, firefighters brought the fire fully under control at around 3:15pm. Container operations resumed at 3:30pm after safety clearance was given.
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Chattogram Port Acting Secretary Nasir Uddin said the port's own fire service team responded immediately after the fire broke out.
"At around 2:30pm, a fire broke out in RTG 4014 at Berth No 4 in the southern area of NCT. Chattogram Port Fire Service personnel quickly reached the spot and began firefighting operations," he said.
He added that personnel from the Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence and the Bangladesh Navy later joined the operation and helped bring the situation under control.
"The overall situation is now normal and terminal operations have resumed," Nasir said.
Port officials said one RTG crane and two nearby containers were damaged in the incident.
One of the affected containers was carrying refrigerators, and around 11 units were destroyed in the fire.
No casualties were reported.
The port authority has formed an investigation committee to determine the cause of the fire and assess the extent of the losses.
Officials said the committee has been asked to submit its findings at the earliest opportunity.
The exact cause of the fire remains unknown.
However, preliminary information suggests that it originated in the engine compartment of the RTG crane, a key piece of equipment used for moving containers within the terminal yard.
NCT is the country's busiest container handling facility and plays a critical role in Chattogram Port's daily cargo operations.
The brief suspension of activities did not significantly disrupt terminal operations, according to port officials.
