Two days after Ashulia factory blast, scattered gas cylinders trigger public fear

Gas cylinders hurled across Ashulia’s Jamgora by a series of explosions at a garment factory two days ago are still scattered around residential areas, leaving local residents fearful of another accident.

The cylinders were reportedly thrown from a covered van carrying CNG cylinders through an unauthorised arrangement at Pretty Industrial Park, operated by garment manufacturer Pretty Group, on Sunday evening.

Residents said the authorities had yet to remove the cylinders safely, raising concerns that some may still contain gas and could pose a risk of another explosion.

“Whatever damage happened to the houses has happened. The people responsible for these cylinders should take them away. Everyone is frightened because of them. We do not know whether they still contain gas or whether they could explode again,” said Hamidul Islam, a tenant at a house owned by Ainal Haque Mir in Jamgora.

One cylinder landed in the courtyard of their house, while another was found in the courtyard of local resident Fazr Ali Mir’s home.

Parveen Akter, a resident of the house, said fears of another explosion had disrupted their sleep.

She urged the authorities to remove the cylinders safely as soon as possible.

“These cylinders are scattered over a wide area. They can be found in different places across the neighbourhood. No one from the relevant authorities has come yet to take them away,” said another resident, Zahir Mir.

Authorities promise removal

Contacted about the matter, Savar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Saiful Islam said the cylinders would be removed soon.

“Local residents have informed us about the matter. We have spoken to the Fire Service and Civil Defence and police. The cylinders will be removed soon,” he said.

Explosions sent cylinders flying

The explosion and subsequent fire occurred around 6:45pm on Sunday at the Pretty Group factory premises in Jamgora.

The fire spread to at least seven to eight vehicles, including several others carrying cylinders, after a cylinder on a covered van exploded.

The blasts caused panic in the surrounding area, with vegetable vendors and shopkeepers fleeing their businesses.

The force of the explosions sent several cylinders flying an estimated 200–300 yards from the site. Some landed in residential areas and on rooftops, while others reportedly pierced tin roofs and entered homes.