Cox’s Bazar gas station operated without ‘approval’, ignored rules, say officials after blast

The station rushed to operation the day before yesterday, locals say

A faulty gas loading and unloading system likely triggered the explosion at a filling station in Cox’s Bazar’s Kolatoli, according to Fire Service and Civil Defence officials.

Syed Muhammad Morshed Hossain, an assistant director of the Fire Service, said the establishment -- Cox’s Bazar LPG Station -- had no valid fire safety plan or certification.

The Department of Environment also confirmed the pump was operating without mandatory site clearance.

The blast occurred around 10pm on Wednesday, injuring 15 people.

Six remain in critical condition at Chattogram Medical College Hospital.

Authorities have formed a five-member probe committee, led by Additional District Magistrate Shahidul Alam, to investigate the incident.

The committee will also examine how four filling stations were permitted within a three-kilometre stretch, potentially violating safety distance rules.

“Site clearance from the environment department is mandatory for setting up any CNG or filling station, but this establishment ignored the rule. We will take legal action,” said Musaib Ibna Rahman, an inspector at the department.

Resident Shahadat Hossain, whose house stood adjacent to the station, said he lost everything in the blast.

“We have lived on this land for nearly 30 years. Yet this gas pump was built on grabbed land without approval,” he said.

“It was rushed into operation only the day before yesterday,” he added.

Now destitute, Shahadat demanded the removal of such hazardous stations from residential areas.

The explosion also destroyed about 20 vehicles in a garage located 50 yards away.

N Alam, the pump owner, claimed to have all necessary licences and offered to support the victims.