2 killed in oil tanker blast in Barishal

At least two people died and three others were injured after an explosion took place at an oil tanker on Kirtankhola river in Barishal this afternoon.

The deceased were primarily identified as Md Babul and Swadhin, said fire service officials.

The injured were rushed to Sher-e-bangla Medical College Hospital. One more crew member, Kashem, remained missing following the explosion.

Photo: Titu Das/Star

Sumon Sheikh, a staffer of the oil tanker, said MV Ebadee with 10 lakh litre diesel and 3.5 lakh litre petrol started from Chattogram a couple of days ago to supply fuel to Meghna Petroleum Co Ltd depot in Barishal.

Suddenly an explosion took place at the engine room, leaving two dead on the spot, he said.

Mizanur Rahman, deputy director of Barishal Fire Service and Civil Defence, said on information three firefighting units rushed there around 4:45pm and brought the fire under control within half an hour.