Exposed to fatal cylinder blasts

Widespread use of expired gas cylinders in vehicles ignoring official directives is leading to a high number of accidents across Laxmipur district but the administration is doing little to address the problem, according to locals.

There were 15 gas cylinder-related accidents in the district last year.

Residents said gas cylinders are being used in around 15,000 vehicles in the district and most of those are well beyond their expiry dates.

Though gas cylinders are supposed to be examined after five years, owners and drivers are not following the rules, they added.

When asked, most drivers said they were unaware of rules and lifespan of cylinders. They, however, accused Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) of giving fitness certificates in exchange for money instead of inspecting vehicles properly.

Contacted, BRTA officials refuted the allegation.

Forkan Chowdhury, assistant director of BRTA, said they issue a fitness certificate after checking date of the gas cylinder and retesting certificate.

“We don’t give fitness certificate if the vehicle uses a locally-made cylinder,” he said, adding, “Explosion-related accidents occur due to using such cylinders.”

He claimed that they inspect vehicles thoroughly when drivers come to BRTA to take fitness certificates every year.

“Also, we examine retesting certificates after five years. After checking certificates and gas cylinders, we provide them with fitness certificates,” said the assistant director. 

“In addition, we often conduct mobile court drives,” he said, urging everyone to be aware of rules while using gas cylinders.

Md Iqbal Hossain, deputy director of Laxmipur fire service and civil defence, said gas cylinders explode when they are past their expiry dates.

“It’s necessary to retest gas cylinders before the expiry date. If everyone follows rules on how to use such cylinders, the number of accidents will reduce,” he said.