‘Underground gas’ triggers fire during tube-well installation in Cox’s Bazar

A fire broke out during the installation of a tube well in Inani, a tourist area in Ukhiya upazila of Cox’s Bazar, on Tuesday, triggering panic among locals over fears of underground gas deposits.

The fire started around 8:30am at the residence of local resident Mustafa Sikder near a small bridge in Inani. Smoke with a gas-like smell was also coming out of the ground, witnesses said.

Three units of the fire service worked for nearly five hours to bring the blaze under control around 1:30pm, officials said.

Ukhia Fire Service Station Officer Saidul Islam said the incident was initially suspected to be linked to the presence of underground gas. However, tests would be needed to determine the source of the gas and confirm whether natural gas was present, he added.

The incident drew crowds of curious residents, while concerns grew over potential risks from the suspected gas leak.

The fire service advised people to stay away from the site and refrain from smoking, lighting fires or switching electrical appliances on or off in the area.

Authorities said the presence of any natural gas reserve could only be confirmed after appropriate tests.