Microbus catches fire in Ctg port

14 July 2010, 18:00 PM

Staff Correspondent, Ctg

An imported reconditioned microbus caught fire and was damaged inside Chittagong port yesterday afternoon. Fire fighters extinguished the fire before it could spread and damage other vehicles parked nearby. The microbus kept on A-B car shed caught fire all of a sudden at around 12:30pm, said sources in Chittagong Port Authority (CPA). Plumes of smoke emitting from the vehicle could be seen from a distance. Headed by CPA Traffic Officer Abdul Quayum, a three-member inquiry committee was formed with CPA Security Inspector Abul Kashem and Inspector Musa Al Noori from the fire service to investigate the incident. When contacted CPA Deputy Terminal Manager Enamul Karim said, “It is not unusual that small blasts may take place and blow off window panes of imported vehicles due to formation of gas inside them. But it is the first time that any vehicle caught fire here.” “However, the reason behind the fire could be better explained by fire experts and after the inquiry committee submits its report,” said Karim adding that compensation would be provided if negligence of duty is found on the part of CPA.