C T Online Desk: The fire at BM Container Depot, in Sitakunda upazila of Chattogram, is still not completely under control.In the meantime, two Hazardous Materials mobile van(Hazmat vehicles) added with the fire fighting team there. BM depot situated over 25 acres of land in Sonaichari union of Sitakunda upazila.
Sitakunda Circle Additional Superintendent of Police, Ashraful Karim, told The media that there was no water left in the ponds surrounding the depot to put out the fire.The containers will now be removed with an excavator, and a path will be formed for fire service personnel to supply water to all the spots, he said.However, no case has been filed in this regard yet, he added.
Although 40 hours have passed, the fire at BM Depot has not been brought under control yet. Two Hazmat tenders (vehicles) have been brought from Dhaka to put out this chemical fire. Besides, the depot authorities are also bringing handling equipment to remove the containers.
Meanwhile, some more containers full of chemicals were found inside the depot. At least 10 containers are still burning under the influence of this chemical. According to fire service sources, arrangements have been made to keep it cool with water in 4 unit containers at present. However, the fire is still burning in 8 to 10 containers. This is due to the effect of chemicals. A team of 20 people including two Hazmat tenders (vehicles) has been brought from Dhaka to put out the chemical fire.
Monir Hossain, assistant director (training) of the fire service, said the fire was not under control yet. In addition to chemicals, there are some gum here. Because of this the fire is burning. Now various products of the garment factory are burning. We are trying to cool the container first with water. Chemicals have adequate equipment to control fires. With logistical support we will be able to put out the fire completely in 5 to 6 hours.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Kamal, State Minister for Ports & Shipping Khalid Mahmud chowdhury and Disaster Management & Relief Minister Dr. Enamur Rahman visited the fire affected BM Depot in Sitakunda yesterday(Monday). They also visited the fire victims at Chattogram Medical college Hospital. Besides, Special asstt to the Prime Minister Barrister Biplob Barua, and juvenile politician Faraz Karim chowdhury came over CMC hospital with life saving medicines of hundred of thousands takas .
While contacted , the general manager of BM Container Depot of Chattogram Md. Nazmul(01711816177) told this correspondent that there are separate shed of keeping containers of separate items. The explosive yard in ICD in front of the off-dock. He told that Managing Director of the Dock Maj Gen(Rtd) Shamsul Haider visited the fire torn depot and declared the companies compensations of Tk.10 lakh for deceased and Tk.6 lakh for the injured and the family members of the victims will be given employment in the depot. In the meantime Sramik Kaylan Foundation announced compensations to victimes at Tk.2 lakh each and 50 thousand for injured. Besides, Chattogram district administration declared grant for Tk.,50 thousand to deceased family and 25 thousand to injured., In the meantime, Disaster Management of the Chattogong chapter granted Tk.1 cr for burial and cremanation purpose of the victims.
In the meantime, 6 probe committees have been formed by related departments of the govt viz. 7-members fire service committee, Customs Inquiry team of 5 members, 7-members district admin committee, Shops & Factories Depatt committee, 3 member CPA committee and 5 members BM Depot Committee, sources said. Nazmul also said there was 4200 containers during the accident period and yet to be inventory done of damanaged containers. He said , today faced three enquiry teams beside the Minister’s inspection.
Opinions of the owners group could not be taken as not available on cell phone.
