ED: Accidents waiting to happen

Bangladesh has seen a four-fold increase in the consumption of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in the last three years, owing to the rapid growth experienced by the economy.

However, this increased usage has brought with it increased accidents. 

The fact that, over 15 days in the month of January, at least seven people have died and over 100 have been injured in gas cylinder blasts is cause for major concern, and must be closely examined.

In fact, cylinder blasts have become an all-too-common issue in Bangladesh; as many as 953 fire incidents were caused by gas cylinders, killing 20 people and leaving 321 others injured in 2018. 

With the increased usage, it is feared that these numbers are only increasing, and as such, it is imperative that this undesirable upward trend be stopped. As experts have stated, it is the lack of effective measures -- including ensuring that the cylinders are not leaking and are in working order or that the valves have not passed their expiration date -- that are causing the lion’s share of these accidents. Once again, unfortunately, it is carelessness and disregard that are causing these needless deaths and injuries. 

It will take a concerted effort, as with most major issues, to solve this issue. For starters, consumers themselves have to become more aware, and pay particular attention to the valves in the cylinders, and ensure that that there is no leakage. Additionally, the government too must ensure the best quality cylinders and valves are on the market. 

Together, we must stop this needless loss of life from entirely avoidable accidents, and ensure that our citizens can use fuel without feeling that their lives are in danger. Safety must come first.