Staff Correspondent, Narayanganj

A fire broke out at the Narayanganj District Civil Surgeon’s office following a lightning strike. The incident occurred on Saturday (May 31) in the storeroom of the Civil Surgeon’s office. While no casualties were reported, assets worth around Tk 1.5 million were destroyed in the blaze.

 Among the damaged items were 7 refrigerators, 70 ice packs, 2 old motorcycles, 1,500 safety boxes, and approximately one hundred thousand syringes—resulting in an estimated loss of Tk 1.5 million. However, assets worth about Tk 1 million were successfully recovered. No injuries or fatalities occurred during the incident.

 Locals said that it was raining in the afternoon when a lightning strike suddenly hit, and immediately afterward, a fire broke out in the storeroom of the Civil Surgeon’s office. Officials and staff present at the scene quickly noticed the fire.

They promptly used carbon dioxide from fire extinguishers to try and contain the blaze. Meanwhile, they informed the Fire Service, who arrived swiftly and brought the fire under control.

Abdullah Al Arefin, Deputy Assistant Director of Narayanganj Fire Service and Civil Defense, said, “Upon receiving the call, two units from our Hajiganj Fire Station rushed to the spot and brought the fire under control. Initially, it is suspected that an electrical short circuit caused by the lightning strike led to the fire.”

Dr. Abul Fazal Muhammad Mushiur Rahman, the Civil Surgeon of Narayanganj District, said, “The fire broke out in the storeroom as a result of a direct lightning strike. However, since the Fire Service was informed immediately, they managed to bring the fire under control quickly. Some syringes stored in the room were burned, but there were no major damages.”