Inani gas fire continues, Section 144 imposed

A fire caused by escaping gas during the installation of a deep tube well in Inani, Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, is still burning. The upazila administration has imposed Section 144 in the area to ensure public safety.

The restriction was announced in a public notice signed by Ukhiya UNO Panna Akter on Thursday night (October 29).

Public movement has been banned within a 200-metre radius of the fire source near Inani Chhoto Khal Bridge. Lighting fires, smoking and using matches or lighters have also been prohibited.

The fire broke out around 7:00 AM on October 27 when gas started escaping from a depth of around 1,000 feet during tube well installation.

Fire Service units and the army are working to control the blaze. Electricity supply has also been suspended within a 15-kilometre radius as a safety measure.

A Bapex technical team has inspected the site, while an emergency meeting at the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources decided to introduce security zones around the affected area.