Staff Reporter :
A fire broke out at a chemical warehouse in Purbo Bando Dhakpara residential area of Keraniganj, on the outskirts of Dhaka, on Sunday noon.
The fire was followed by three blasts partially damaging at least 25 adjacent buildings, locals said.
The warehouse caught fire around 1 pm. No one was there during the fire, but at least 10 neighbouring people injured while they were trying to douse the blaze, locals said.
On information, three firefighting units rushed in and doused the fire with the help of locals within one hour, said Shahzadi Sultana, Duty Officer of the fire service control room.
However, the reason behind the fire could not be known immediately.
Magnesium Chloride, Manganese Sulphate and Sodium were found inside the warehouse, owned by a man named Maruf Hossain, who fled after the incident.
Three fire fighting units rushed to the spot and doused the flames after hour-long hectic effort, said Shahzadi Sultana.
She also said the fire took place at a warehouse at East Bando Dhakpara, Kadamtoli, adding that the walls and tin-roof collapsed following the blasts.
Locals alleged that there are at least 50 chemical warehouses in 12 residential areas, including Atasur, Kalindi, Dakpara and Chunkutia for which they are passing days amid risks.
After visiting the spot, Keraniganj Upazila Parishad Chairman Shahin Ahmed told the media that all chemical warehouses would be removed from this area considering safety of the local people.
“We have already talked to local administration over the issue. We are going to prepare a list of the warehouses before their eviction from the area,” he added.
Jinjira Union Parishad (UP) Chairman Sakur Hossain told media that there was an explosion at the chemical godown. Later, explosions also took place in two more warehouses.
