Underground gas pipeline catches fire in Chattogram, triggering panic
No casualties were reported as firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control.
A fire broke out after gas leaked from an underground pipeline on Zakir Hossain Road in Chattogram's Foy's Lake area today (28 June), triggering panic among residents before firefighters extinguished the blaze.
The incident occurred at around 1pm. A Fire Service unit rushed to the scene after receiving an emergency call and brought the fire under control, confirmed Mohammad Zahirul Islam, senior station officer at the Agrabad Fire Service.
According to locals, the underground gas pipeline runs through a roadside drain. Gas began leaking from a section of the pipeline before igniting, sending flames shooting up from beneath the road.
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Witnesses said the blaze prompted nearby people to move to safety, while motorists passed the area cautiously.
Mohammad Zahirul Islam said the emergency team was dispatched after a call to the national emergency service 999.
He said witnesses reported hearing an explosion from a light fixture mounted on a nearby electric pole moments before the fire.
"Sparks reportedly fell to the ground immediately afterwards, followed by the fire. However, it has not yet been confirmed whether the incident involving the electric pole caused the blaze," he said.
Mohammad Tajuddin Dhali, general manager of Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Limited, told The Business Standard that an investigation is underway to determine what damaged the underground pipeline.
He said company personnel were working to repair the pipeline, restore gas supply and eliminate any remaining safety risks.
No casualties were reported, while authorities continue to investigate the exact cause of the fire.
