An unapproved LPG filling station owned by an Awami League leader exploded in Cox’s Bazar’s Kalatali area on Wednesday night, injuring at least 15 people and damaging over 50 nearby houses and shops. The newly built ‘N Alam Filling Station’ caught fire while gas was being unloaded. Fire service, army, BGB, police, and air force units jointly brought the blaze under control after seven hours of effort.

Ten of the injured were admitted to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital, while six were later transferred to Chattogram Medical College Hospital and Dhaka’s Burn Institute for advanced treatment. A three-member investigation committee led by Additional District Magistrate Mohammad Shahidul Alam has been formed and has already visited the site.

Fire officials stated that the station was operating without approval or safety measures and that legal action would be taken against its owner, Nurul Alam, who is known to be active in Awami League politics. Local authorities confirmed that several houses and vehicles were damaged before the fire was contained.