A father and his son sustained severe burn injuries after a fire broke out at Chevron Bangladesh's condensate pipeline in Jainta Chhara area of Bhunbir Union under Srimangal Upazila of Moulvibazar on Tuesday night.
Authorities of Chevron Bangladesh claimed miscreants illegally tapped oil from the pipeline as a result condensate oil started to spill and led to the fire at night. However, the incident did not affect the company's gas production.
Chevron's Media and Communications Manager Sheikh Zahidur Rahman said that the company's emergency response team is working with the local administration to bring the situation under control and all necessary measures have been taken to ensure the safety of the town and the environment as well.
Dr. Moumita Vaidya, Medical Officer of Srimangal Upazila Health Complex, said that Redoan (24) and his father Bashir Mia (50), who were burnt in the fire at around 9:30 pm, were sent to Moulvibazar Sadar Hospital after a primary treatment. Redoan's condition is more critical.
Locals said that condensate oil had been leaking from a hole in the pipeline since the afternoon on Tuesday. The fire suddenly broke out around 9 pm and fierce flames rose into the sky spreading panic in the area. Hundreds of people left their homes and went to safer places. The fire service's Srimangal and Moulvibazar teams brought the fire under control after about an hour of effort.
Moulvibazar Fire Service Station Deputy Assistant Director Alauddin said, "Four units of FSCD took part in the firefighting battle. Since the main line was under excess oil pressure, we had to speed up a bit at first. When we tried to extinguish the fire at first, we failed. Later, I brought foam and participated in the fire extinguishing and completely extinguished the fire using foam. The fire was brought under control after about an hour of effort. The extent of the damage can be said subject to investigation.
On information, Srimangal Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Islam Uddin, police station OC Aminul Islam and members of the administration and law enforcement agencies rushed to the spot. Thousands of people gathered at the scene from nearby areas.
The executive officer said that due to immediate action, major damage was avoided. He, however, could not assert the extent of the damage in the fire.
