Three workers killed in fuel tank explosion

Three people were killed as an oil tanker exploded at the mechanical workshop of Incontrade Container Depot in Chattogram's Patenga area yesterday.

The dead are Muktar, 20, Newaz, 30, and Arman, 25, all employees of Incontrade Limited.

Besides, three more people -- Amir Hossain, 35, Jobayer Hossain, 30, and Rabiul, 38 -- sustained burn injuries.

They were admitted to Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH).

According to officials, the blast occurred around 11:30am when the workers were welding a diesel tanker.

Azizul Islam, assistant director at Chattogram Headquarter of Fire Service and Civil Defense, said the tanker went off as fuel was left inside it when the workers were welding.

On information, two units of firefighters rushed to the spot, doused the flare, and rescued the injured.

Md Saiful Islam, manager of Incontrade Limited, told The Daily Star, "Those killed in the blast worked under the mechanical department of the depot.

"The oil tanker of a long vehicle went off at the mechanical workshop when they unlocked the tanker from the lorry and started welding."

A three-member committee was formed to investigate the case, he added.

Police handed over the bodies after completing the legal procedure.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Hasan, maternal uncle of one of the dead Muktar, said his nephew was the only wage-earner in the family.

"How could we bear such an incurable loss?" he lamented.