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A fire broke out in a container loaded with computer and mobile accessories at the Chittagong sea port's New-mooring Container Terminal (NCT) on Wednesday.
The blaze, suspected to have been caused by mobile batteries, started at around 8 PM and was swiftly brought under control by port staff and fire officials.
According to Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) Secretary Omar Faruk, smoke was detected emanating from a 40-feet container stored at the NCT Handover Bay.
Port authorities promptly notified the fire service department, and the container-belonging to Maersk Shipping Line and discharged from the vessel M.YOKOHAMA on September 24 -- was removed from its slot.
In the presence of representatives from transport, security, CDDL, NSI, and DGFI, the container's seal was cut to access the source of the fire. Efforts are ongoing to remove and inspect the affected cargo to prevent further risks. The joint commissioner of Customs and the terminal manager were also present at the scene to oversee operations.
Terminal Manager Saiful Alam said that the fire likely originated from mobile batteries stored in some of the boxes within the container. A few boxes of the container were damaged in the fire. Swift response minimised further damage.
No injuries were reported and the situation is now under control as authorities continue to investigate the incident to ensure safety and prevent future occurrences.
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