Chemical storage possible source of fire at HSIA

A major fire broke out in the cargo section of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Saturday shortly after 2:30pm, causing widespread disruption.

Airport spokesperson Md Masudul Hasan Masud confirmed that the fire originated in a section adjacent to the cargo area.

Fire Service units, Bangladesh Air Force, and other airport authorities are actively working to control the blaze.

All flight operations at the airport have been temporarily suspended.

Eyewitnesses reported that the fire started near the Sky Capital Lounge within the import cargo complex, close to the airport’s Gate No-8.

Initial smoke prompted the airport’s internal fire station to attempt containment, but due to highly flammable materials in the cargo area, the fire spread rapidly.

Additional units and TTL vehicles were deployed, but the fire continued to engulf the cargo complex.

Ambulances were on site and several people were rescued with burn injuries and taken to nearby hospitals.

Workers in the cargo complex said that the fire likely originated from chemical materials.

Sultan Ahmed, director of courier company Tamim Express Limited, said the complex was operating half-shipping from 9am to 1:30pm, and goods scheduled for dispatch at 2:30pm were completely destroyed.

Most of the lost cargo included garments, buttons, zippers, fabrics, and other assorted items.

Md Rokon Mia, CNF agent for Master Year Company, added that tonnes of cargo arrive daily, and this incident will cause significant losses for businesses.

He said the Sky Capital Lounge stores chemicals, fabrics, machinery, and other materials, and the fire likely originated from chemical substances, spreading rapidly throughout the area.