Gas pipeline in Narsingdi blows roadside drain sky-high

A massive gas explosion occurred on a street in Madhabdi, Narsingdi, while fireworks were being set off. The force of the blast blew off several manhole covers from the street's sewerage line, scattering them across the area.

A rickshaw puller sustained serious injuries in the incident, which also triggered widespread panic throughout the locality. Following the accident, the Titas Gas authorities suspended gas supply to the area until 11:00 AM on Wednesday (November 11).

According to local sources, the explosion took place around 12:30 AM on Tuesday night in the Kashipur area of the Madhabdi municipality. A four-inch-diameter gas supply pipeline runs through the sewerage line between Khejur-tala Mor and Tithi Textile. A sudden, loud explosion caused several manhole covers above the line to be blown off and scattered in the vicinity.

Meanwhile, the incident was captured on CCTV. The footage shows a group of teenagers lighting a fire to set off fireworks on the street; shortly thereafter, the manhole covers were blown off with a deafening bang.

Locals suspect that the explosion was triggered when sparks from the fireworks came into contact with gas that had accumulated inside the sewerage line. However, the exact cause of the explosion has yet to be confirmed.

Residents noted that a similar gas explosion occurred in the same area last year during Durga Puja. The recurring nature of these accidents has fueled growing concern and alarm among the local population.

Residents fear that without prompt and necessary action, more severe accidents, potentially resulting in loss of life, could occur in the future. Consequently, they have urged the relevant authorities to intervene immediately by inspecting the gas supply lines for defects, identifying the precise cause of the explosion, and implementing essential safety measures in the area.

-    MSI/NS