Fire breaks out at nuclear power plant; internet, water, and power not back to normal in 57 hours

A fire has broken out at the Pioneer Base of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Project in Pabna’s Ishurdi. 

In the 57 hours since the incident, the power plant's internet connection has not been restored, and some buildings still lack water and electricity.

The blaze broke out at the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) project office around 3am on Monday, but was reported Tuesday night.

The fire destroyed the server room of BAEC and several surrounding rooms. Computers, air conditioners, important documents, electrical equipment and various parts of the internet server were damaged.

Pabna Fire Service Deputy Assistant Director Md Sadequl Bari said the fire sparked in the BAEC office and, within moments, the flames and smoke quickly spread to the surrounding rooms.

Four units of the Ishurdi Fire Service reached the scene when the incident was reported and brought the blaze under control after extensive effort.

Since the fire, the power supply to Pioneer Base and two surrounding buildings has been completely cut off. In addition, the internet connections are unavailable at various offices of the project's Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL) and BAEC.

A site in-charge at the project, who wished to remain anonymous, said that even after the fire, the internet connection at these important installations had not returned to normal as of noon on Wednesday. As a result, the project workers are facing extreme difficulties communicating.

The power and water supply in the customs building and canteen are still off.

The prolonged absence of internet and power and the damage to the server room are disrupting the regular activities of the project. Project officials say they are deeply concerned about the potential loss of important information and documents.

Station Master Md Shahidul Islam of the Rooppur Green City Modern Fire Service said, "There was major damage as the technical equipment and documents in the server room were burnt. However, it is not possible to determine the exact extent of the damage."

Fire Service official Bari said that it is initially believed the fire started from an electrical short circuit, but the true cause will be determined after an investigation.

Despite attempts to obtain comment on the fire, no one involved in the project agreed to speak on the record. 

Multiple calls and text messages to Project Director Kabir Hossain’s mobile phone also went unanswered.