A CNG cylinder found at the site of an explosion at S Suhi Industrial Park Ltd under Pretty Group in Ashulia bore a marking indicating that it should not have been used after 2021, raising questions about whether it had been used beyond its stated service period.
The cylinder among those found near the blast site. Another cylinder was thrown by the explotion into a nearby food shop owned by Abdul Halim, piercing its tin roof.
The cylinder bore the marking, ‘Approved PRD CNG Only Do Not Use After 2021’. The marking indicates that the cylinder was approved for CNG use and fitted with a pressure relief device, while the data suggests that its stated service period had ended in 2021.
Assistant commissioner (Land) of Ashulia circle Md Mahibullah Akon, who was present at the scene, told reporters that the cylinder appeared to have been used beyond its stated service period.
‘The cylinder is expired. It was not supposed to be used after 2021, but it was being used. The issue has come to our attention,’ he said.
However, the Fire Service said it was too early to determine whether the cylinder had actually expired and whether its condition contributed to the explosion.
Shahabuddin Ahmed, senior station officer at Zirabo Fire Service, said a four-member committee had been formed to investigate the explosion.
Kazi Nazmuzzaman, assistant director of Dhaka Zone-4, has been made chairman of the committee, he said.
‘Whether the cylinder was expired or not, along with the actual cause of the incident, will be confirmed after the investigation,’ Shahabuddin said.
