Two killed in chemical container explosion

Two people were killed in an explosion near a welding shop on the Dhaka-Khulna highway in Jessore's Kismat Noapara area last night.

The blast happened around 8:00pm when some workers were welding on a covered van, loaded with chemical containers, parked near the shop, said Parimol Chandra Kundam, assistant director of Jessore fire service.

The explosion occurred probably because vapour of the chemical came in contact with sparks from welding electrodes, he added.

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The identities of the victims could not be confirmed till filing of the report at 1:30am today.

Azmal Huda, officer-in-charge of Kotwali Police Station, said the workers were repairing the vehicle.    

Another covered van, two trucks and a car were burnt in the fire caused by the blast. Following the incident, traffic was disrupted on the road till 11:00pm, said the OC.