The devastating fire at BM Container Depot in Sitakunda of Chattogram has finally come under control after 60 hours of hectic efforts by fire service and army personnel.
Although some of the depot’s containers were seen still burning slowly, there is no risk of an explosion or a major accident, confirmed the Bangladesh Army.
Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Ariful Islam Himel (PSC), commander of the 18th brigade of the 24th Infantry Division of the Army, confirmed the matter while briefing journalists in front of the main gate of the BM Depot tiday (Tuesday, June 7).
The Army has been assisting the fire service since Sunday (June 5) morning in the aftermath of Saturday (June 4) night’s blaze. At least 41 people, including nine members of the fire service have been killed in the fire at the BM depot so far, the administration said. More than 200 people including fire service personnel, police personnel, depot officials and employees were injured in the incident.
Lieutenant Colonel Ariful Islam said that the fire at the depot had been under control since Monday (June 6) afternoon. However, fire was still burning in several containers inside the depot. The army is cooperating with the fire service to put out the fire by every whit.
In the briefing he said, “Already most of the containers filled with chemicals have been identified and removed to a safe distance. As a result, there is no risk of an explosion or a major accident.
“We are now working on damage and pollution control. Some containers are lying randomly in the depot. Most chemical containers have been identified. However, the amount of chemical containers in the depot has not been confirmed yet,” he added.
