Traffic on the Tongi-Ghorashal regional road was halted after a fire broke out at a plastic scrap warehouse and bobbin manufacturing factory in Pubail of Gazipur City, triggering a severe traffic jam stretching about 10 kilometres on both sides of the road.
Passengers and drivers faced significant hardship after being stranded on the road for an extended period.
The fire broke out at around 12:30pm on Sunday (October 4) at the warehouse and factory beside the road in the Majukhan area of Ward No. 40 in Gazipur City.
Witnesses said smoke was suddenly seen coming from the factory. The fire spread rapidly within a short time, creating panic in the surrounding area. Traffic on the Tongi-Ghorashal regional road was stopped due to the intensity of the fire and safety concerns, resulting in long queues of vehicles on both sides of the road.
Three units of Tongi Fire Service arrived at the scene after receiving the news and began efforts to bring the fire under control. Pubail police also worked to manage the situation and facilitate the restoration of traffic movement.
Tongi Fire Service Senior Station Officer Md Shahin Alam said three units were dispatched to the scene after the fire was reported around 12:30pm.
“The fire is now largely under control, and extinguishing operations are nearing completion,” he said.
He said the cause of the fire could not immediately be confirmed. A preliminary assessment suggested that an electrical short circuit or a cigarette may have caused the fire, but the exact cause would be known after an investigation.
He also said no representative of the owners was found at the scene.
Pubail Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Atikur Rahman said a police team went to the scene immediately after receiving the report.
“Fire Service personnel are working to control the fire, and police are assisting them. Traffic movement will return to normal once the fire is completely brought under control,” he said.
Meanwhile, the road closure caused traffic congestion to spread across nearly 10 kilometres on both sides of the Tongi-Ghorashal regional road. Passengers travelling to various destinations, transport workers and local residents were seen remaining stranded on the road for a long time.
