A truck carrying gas cylinders overturned on the Cumilla-Sylhet Highway in Brahmanbaria, triggering a massive explosion followed by a fire. The incident occurred around 4:00 AM on Wednesday (June 4) in the Birasar area, in front of the headquarters of Bangladesh Gas Fields Company.

According to local residents, the road in that area has been in poor condition due to ongoing construction work on the Ashuganj-Akhaura four-lane highway. The truck lost control after hitting potholes and fell into a roadside ditch. Shortly afterward, the gas cylinders onboard exploded with a deafening sound, igniting the truck.

The explosion caused extensive damage to nearby shops—at least three to four were affected—and shattered windows of several surrounding buildings. The loud blasts created panic in the area.

Two units of the fire service from Brahmanbaria and Sarail responded promptly and worked for nearly two hours to bring the fire under control. The incident also caused severe traffic congestion on both sides of the highway.

Newton Das, Deputy Director of Brahmanbaria Fire Service, said the fire broke out after the truck overturned, and numerous gas cylinders exploded as a result. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. Authorities are currently assessing how many cylinders were being transported.