Inani:A fire fueled by gas emerging from underground during deep tube-well drilling in Inani, Ukhia, Cox's Bazar, has continued to burn for more than 24 hours. The incident has led to the suspension of electricity supply over a 15-kilometer stretch from Monkhali to Patuartek to prevent the flames from reaching power lines. Authorities have restricted movement within a 200-meter radius as a precautionary measure.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a specialist team from the Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited (BAPEX) is investigating the source, nature, and cause of the gas fire. The team visited the site on Tuesday night and began their official assessment the following morning.
BAPEX Manager S M Nafefun Arham explained that drilling had reached a depth of about 1,000 feet, close to a gas-bearing layer. Gas may have traveled upward through underground fractures or geological faults before escaping through the borehole. Arham noted that high-pressure gas could create pathways through underground fractures, allowing it to reach the surface for several days.
Initial assessments indicate that a spark from an unidentified source might have ignited the escaping gas. The gas may contain relatively heavy hydrocarbons based on the color of the flames and smoke, but its composition cannot be confirmed until laboratory analysis is conducted. Arham warned that attempts to stop the gas flow could force it to escape through other weak points underground, potentially increasing the risk.
Deputy Assistant Director of Cox's Bazar Fire Service, Syed Muhammad Morshed Hossain, reported that four fire service units, along with the army, have been dispatched to control the blaze. Despite efforts, the fire continues due to the ongoing gas flow. The situation has been reported to senior authorities, and relevant agencies, including BAPEX and Petrobangla, have been informed.
The incident has raised the possibility of an underground gas pocket in the area, which has never seen a gas well discovery in the Cox's Bazar belt. Local representative Shamsul Alam noted the increasing intensity of the fire and speculated that the gas could be natural, given the absence of an underground gas pipeline.
Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner M A Mannan confirmed that preliminary assessments suggest the presence of natural gas. A security perimeter has been established, and a two-member BAPEX team from Dhaka is working on-site to address the situation.
Source Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha