One Fatality in Sitakunda Oxygen Cylinder Explosion

A fatal explosion involving a discarded oxygen cylinder occurred on Saturday in the Sitakunda Upazila of Chattogram, resulting in the death of one individual and causing injuries to two others. the incident took place at approximately 2:30 pm at a scrap metal shop located in the Mazar Gate area of the Kumira Union.

Incident Overview

The deceased has been identified as Md. Arman, a resident of the Rajapur area within Kumira Union, originally hailing from the Noakhali district. Arman operated as a scrap collector, utilising a local motorised vehicle known as a Bhotbhoti to gather discarded metal and iron remnants from various locations across Sitakunda to sell to wholesale scrap dealers.

According to local witnesses, Arman arrived at the scrap shop on Saturday afternoon carrying five oxygen cylinders. The explosion occurred while the cylinders were being unloaded from the vehicle. Reports indicate that as one of the cylinders was dropped from the Bhotbhoti onto the ground, it detonated with significant force. The impact of the blast and the resulting metal shrapnel caused Arman’s immediate death at the scene. Two other individuals, who were in close proximity to the vehicle at the time of the discharge, sustained injuries from the flying metal fragments.

Official Response

Law enforcement officials from the Sitakunda Police Station were dispatched to the site shortly after the blast. Inspector (Investigation) Md. Alamgir confirmed the details of the casualty and the injuries sustained by the bystanders. While the identities of the two injured persons have not yet been officially verified, police have initiated a formal inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the handling of the pressurised vessels.

The following table summarises the key details of the incident:

Regional Context

Sitakunda is a major industrial hub in Bangladesh, renowned for its extensive ship-breaking yards and metal recycling industries. This economic activity involves the frequent handling of industrial gases and pressurised containers. Safety protocols regarding the disposal and recycling of such cylinders remain a critical concern for local authorities.

The police are currently investigating whether the cylinders were properly decommissioned before being sold as scrap. Following standard procedure, the body of the deceased was prepared for transfer to the Chattogram Medical College Hospital morgue for an autopsy. Investigations remain ongoing to determine if there were any breaches of safety regulations at the scrap metal facility.