Gas erupting from an underground formation caught fire during deep-well drilling at Inani in Cox’s Bazar, prompting authorities to impose a 100-metre safety cordon around the site.
The incident occurred on 27 October near Chhoto Inani Bridge in Jaliapalong Union of Ukhiya Upazila, after drilling reached a depth of around 1,000 feet.
Following the incident, the Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company (Bapex) deployed two geologists to the site. They are currently monitoring the situation from Cox’s Bazar.
Experts have advised allowing the gas to escape freely to prevent the fire from spreading, according to an official statement. The gas flow and intensity of the flames are expected to gradually decline over the next 15 days.
If the situation does not improve within the expected period, a specialist team will take alternative measures to extinguish the fire and stop the gas flow, the statement said.
As a precaution, authorities have prohibited public access within a 100-metre radius of the site. The local administration has also taken measures to maintain law and order and ensure public safety.
Petrobangla, Bapex and the local administration are jointly monitoring the situation round the clock.
Meanwhile, authorities have initiated geological investigations to assess the area’s potential gas reserves. The work includes geological and two-dimensional (2D) seismic surveys to determine the extent of the underground gas resources.
Authorities have urged local residents not to panic and to cooperate with the safety measures in place.