Published : 26 Feb 2026, 07:56 AM
Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 03:24 PM
At least 15 people have been burnt in an explosion and fire at a newly built gas station in Cox’s Bazar’s Kalatoli.
The blast occurred around 10:30pm on Wednesday at N Alam Filling Station after gas had been leaking for nearly three hours, said Cox’s Bazar Sadar Model Police chief Shomi Uddin.
“Gas spread across about a kilometre, creating panic among residents,” he told bdnews24.com..
Resident Shahidul Islam said, “The strong smell made it hard to breathe. We informed the fire service. Suddenly, around 10pm, a loud explosion occurred.”
He added that flames spread to nearby structures, sparking fear among the 20,000 people living in adjacent neighbourhoods.
Additional District Magistrate Shahidul Alam said residents were being evacuated and warned not to light fires in the area.
Traffic was halted on Kalatoli Road, a key entry point to the town, disrupting Dhaka and Chattogram bound travellers.
Fire Service official Syed Muhammad Morshed Hossain said seven units were working to contain the blaze.
“Gas leakage created explosion risks. We are trying to stop the leak and bring the situation under control,” he said around midnight, noting the fire had not yet been fully subdued.
Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital Resident Medical Officer Sabuktagin Mahmud Shohel said 15 burn victims were admitted.
Six are being treated locally, while one was sent to Dhaka and eight to Chattogram for advanced care, he said.
Shomi Uddin added, “Curious crowds are being kept at a safe distance. We are coordinating with other agencies to minimise damage.”
Residents complained that despite the prolonged leak, no immediate action was taken, leaving the area gripped by fear.
