Inani tube-well fire still burning after six hours: gas flow continues, panic in the area as locals demand an expert team
The fire that broke out from gas escaping underground during deep tube-well drilling in Inani union of Ukhia upazila, Cox's Bazar, could not be put out even after six hours. The fire began around 6am on Tuesday (27 October), and by 12 noon it had still not been brought under control.
The incident took place in the Chhoto Khal area of Inani union, at the home of local resident Mohammad Abdullah. Deep tube-well installation work had been going on there for three to four days; after the well had been drilled to about 900 feet, work resumed on Tuesday morning when fire suddenly began coming out of the ground.
Mohammad Abdullah said that when the tube-well workers started work on Tuesday morning, they suddenly saw coils of fire emerging from beneath the soil. At one stage, gas began escaping from deep underground under immense pressure, and within a short time the gas caught fire.
Within moments the flames were burning several feet high. The leaping flames and black smoke could be seen from far away.
On receiving the news, three units of the Cox's Bazar Fire Service reached the scene and began working to control the fire. But with the gas flow continuing, they are struggling to bring it under control. For safety, public movement around the site has been restricted.
Dolan Acharya, a senior officer of the Cox's Bazar Fire Service, said: 'The fire originated as gas escaped during deep tube-well drilling. Three fire service units have been working to control the fire since morning. Because the gas source has not stopped, extinguishing the fire has become complicated. The situation is being monitored constantly and necessary measures are being taken.'
Ukhia Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Abu Abdullah said: 'On receiving the news, I reached the scene and am observing the firefighting operation, and I am in contact with the fire service officials. I will be able to give details later.'
Local UP member Shamsul Alam, present at the scene, said: 'The fire service has been working since morning. But because the gas has not stopped escaping, the fire cannot be put out either. For safety, residents need to be kept away.'
Local resident and BNP leader Nurul Hakim said: 'After a loud sound at dawn, flames were seen. I have never seen such a big fire in this area before. Everyone has panicked.'
Another local BNP leader, Saiful Sikder, said: 'The heat of the fire can be felt from far away. We are in panic with our children and elderly. Experts should be brought in quickly to resolve this.'
Since the incident, the local administration, the fire service and the related agencies have been monitoring the situation. Concerned sources said expert opinion will be sought to determine what kind of gas is escaping from underground and what caused the fire. Locals, however, complained that no one from Petrobangla or any geological analysts had been seen at the scene by noon.
No casualties or major damage had been reported by noon. The fire service has nevertheless urged residents to remain alert until the fire is fully brought under control.
