Cox’s Bazar Correspondent: Gas began escaping from underground, accompanied by flames, during deep tube-well drilling in the Inani area of Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning (October 27) in Sikdar Para, Chhoto Inani, triggering panic among local residents.

A team of representatives from Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited (BAPEX) has reportedly departed from Dhaka to inspect the site and investigate the cause of the gas emission.

According to eyewitnesses, excavation work had been underway in the area for several days to install a deep tube-well. On Tuesday morning, gas began emerging from the hole, and flames were subsequently observed. The incident caused alarm among people living nearby.

According to Fire Service sources, firefighters rushed to the scene after receiving reports of gas escaping and flames coming out of the excavation site. They attempted to bring the situation under control. However, as the fire could not be extinguished, BAPEX officials were informed of the incident.

BAPEX officials have reportedly instructed the Fire Service to keep the situation under control while allowing the flames to remain burning. The expert team will visit the site, collect information on the nature and possible source of the gas emission, and take the necessary measures following an assessment.

Meanwhile, the type and volume of the gas emerging from underground, as well as the exact cause of the fire, have yet to be determined. Further details are expected to emerge after the experts conduct an on-site inspection and necessary tests.