Bangladesh
Sitakunda Fire Smoke still billowing from Sitakunda depot, 4 more containers filled with chemicals identified
Dhaka, June 6: The BM Container Depot at Sitakunda in Chittagong has four more containers containing chemicals. The information was given by Lieutenant Colonel Ariful Islam Himel, Commander of 18 Brigade of 24 Infantry Division of the Army. He told reporters at the BM Depot gate on Monday afternoon.
The fire broke out at BM Container Depot in Kadmarsul area of Sitakunda, about 30 km from Chittagong city, around 9 pm on Saturday. Within an hour of the fire, a terrible explosion occurred. The containers are twisted and scattered. There were several explosions in a row. The container depot is believed to have contained the chemical hydrogen peroxide, which is thought to have caused the explosion. And because of this chemical, the fire is getting faster.
We were able to identify the presence of chemicals in the four containers at the depot. The fire service team is trying to remove these containers using special methods.
The fire was under control till the last news was received on Monday but it was not completely extinguished. Fire service personnel are relentlessly trying to put out the fire.
Ariful Islam Himel said, "We have been able to identify the presence of chemicals in the four containers in the depot. The fire service team is trying to remove these containers using special methods. He also said that the army and fire service officials were working to control the fire as there was still black smoke inside the depot."
The depot at Sitakunda was set up for unloading and transporting various import and export containers including garments and processed food products. There is also a question as to why chemicals would be stored in such a depot.
