Cooking activity suspended

COX'S BAZAR: A devastating fire broke out at an LPG refueling station in the Kolatoli area of Cox's Bazar town on Wednesday night, causing widespread destruction and panic among local residents. Although the blaze has been brought under control, fear continues to grip the community, with many residents refraining from cooking due to safety concerns.
The fire erupted at "Cox's Bazar LPG Station," a newly established pump, and raged for nearly seven hours before being contained. Nine firefighting units, supported by personnel from the Bangladesh Army and Bangladesh Air Force, managed to control the flames and secure two LPG storage tanks, each with a capacity of 14,000 litres. However, army members remain stationed at the site as a precautionary measure.
A visit to the scene on Thursday morning revealed extensive damage. The station is located in a densely populated neighbourhood, surrounded by residential buildings and garages for tourist vehicles. The intense blaze reduced much of the area to charred debris.
According to local sources, the fire quickly spread to an adjacent garage. Of more than 40 tourist jeeps and microbuses parked there, only 10 could be moved to safety. The remaining vehicles were completely destroyed.
One of the affected vehicle owners, Rafiqul Islam, said he had spent nearly Tk 900,000 refurbishing his jeep just two and a half months ago. "The vehicle has been reduced to ashes. I took loans from a bank and NGOs. I don't know how I will repay them now," he said.
Another victim, homeowner Shahadat Hossain, said he had been left destitute. "I could not salvage anything from my house. All my years of hard work and dreams have turned to ashes," he said.
Munny Begum, who lived behind the gas station, narrowly escaped with her children amid the intense heat and explosions. Her home was completely gutted. She said around five bhori (approximately 58 grams) of gold ornaments, Tk 300,000 in cash, and household belongings were destroyed in the fire. "We managed to escape with our lives. Nothing else could be saved," she said.
Following the incident, authorities advised residents not to use open flames. As a result, many households have suspended cooking and are relying on relatives for meals. Residents reported that they still detect the smell of gas in the area.
Local resident Abul Kashem said, "We are still afraid to enter our homes. We have not resumed cooking. There is still a smell of gas in the air. The fear has not subsided."
Senior district administration officials inspected the site on Thursday morning. Deputy Commissioner Md Abdul Mannan said a list of damages was being prepared and that government assistance and financial aid would be provided after verification.
Syed Muhammad Morshed Hossain, Deputy Assistant Director of Cox's Bazar Fire Service, said the fire originated around two 14,000-litre LPG storage tanks. The station had been operational for only three days. He alleged that the pump lacked proper fire safety arrangements and necessary approvals. Legal action was being initiated against those responsible for operating the facility without authorisation.
At least 10 people were injured in the incident. Several were receiving treatment at Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital, while critically injured victims were transferred to Chattogram Medical College Hospital.
The establishment of an LPG pump in such a densely populated area drew criticism from local civil society members, who have questioned the approval process and safety compliance. They warned that failure to ensure strict safety standards could lead to more catastrophic incidents in the future.

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