A fire triggered by a leaking gas cylinder at a roadside restaurant has destroyed 13 residential units, a restaurant and a shop in Sreepur, Gazipur. The blaze broke out on Sunday (15 November) morning, leaving extensive property damage but causing no casualties.
The incident occurred at around 9am in front of the Denimac factory in the Gargaria Masterbari area of Sreepur Municipality. Nurul Karim, station officer of the Sreepur Fire Service and Civil Defence station, confirmed the incident.
According to local sources, the fire originated at a rented food restaurant when gas leaked from a cylinder and caught fire. The flames spread rapidly to the residential units situated behind the restaurant, engulfing the property within a short period.
The affected property belongs to Nishat Dhali, who currently lives in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. His relative, Babul Mia, said Nishat had purchased the property approximately a year and a half ago. It comprised 13 residential units and two shops.
The residential units had been rented out to workers employed at various local garment factories. Of the two shops on the premises, one was being operated as a food restaurant.
Babul Mia said the fire started at the rented restaurant on Sunday morning following a gas cylinder leak. The flames quickly spread to the adjoining residential units, making it difficult to prevent the fire from reaching the entire property.
Local residents initially attempted to bring the blaze under control while emergency services were alerted. However, the fire spread so quickly that the residential units and the furniture and other belongings inside them were destroyed before firefighters could extinguish it.
Following the emergency call, two units of the Sreepur Fire Service and Civil Defence arrived at the scene and began firefighting operations. After approximately 30 minutes of sustained efforts, they managed to bring the blaze under control.
Nurul Karim confirmed that no one was injured or killed in the incident. He added that the precise cause of the fire and the extent of the financial losses would be established following an investigation.
Although a gas cylinder leak has been identified as the apparent source of the blaze, the authorities are yet to complete their assessment of the incident. The exact value of the damaged property has also not been determined.
The incident has left the owner facing substantial property losses, while garment workers living in the rented accommodation have lost their homes and household belongings. It has also highlighted the potential dangers of gas cylinder leaks, particularly in commercial establishments located close to residential buildings.
Fire safety experts generally advise regular inspection of gas cylinders, regulators and connecting pipes, alongside proper ventilation and safe storage practices, to reduce the risk of accidental fires. In densely populated areas, where shops and residential accommodation often stand close together, a fire originating in a single establishment can spread rapidly and cause widespread damage.
