Cylinder explosion causes fire in Lakshmipur, 9 shops gutted

❐ District Correspondent

A total of 9 businesses, including fuel oil and gas cylinder shops, have been destroyed in a massive fire in Lakshmipur.

A cylinder explosion during the repair of a gas stove at a shop immediately spread the fire. It is initially reported that the damage, including goods, was around 70 to 75 lakh taka.

The incident took place at Kamarhat Bazar in Chandraganj Union of Sadar Upazila around 8:30 pm yesterday.

Lakshmipur Fire Service and Civil Defense Station Officer Ranjit Kumar Saha confirmed the matter.

According to the fire service and local sources, a fire broke out at a fuel oil and gas cylinder shop named ‘Alif Enterprise’ during Tarawih prayers. The shop was stocked with gas cylinders, octane and diesel, and the fire quickly spread to nearby shops after the explosion.

Locals tried to put out the fire but failed. Later, upon receiving information, two units of Lakshmipur Fire Service Station reached the spot and brought the fire under control after about 45 minutes of effort.

However, by then, nine shops in the market had burned down. A member of the fire service was injured while working to control the fire.

Station Officer Ranjit Kumar Saha said the fire spread quickly as there was a large amount of flammable material in the shop. It took some time to reach the scene as it was far away. He said the exact cause of the fire will be known after the investigation.

Deputy Commissioner SM Mehedi Hasan said that it is initially believed that the fire started from a cylinder explosion during the repair of a gas stove.

He also said that the issue of providing financial assistance to affected businessmen is being considered.