An investigation conducted into the fire incident at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s import cargo complex on October 18 determined that improper storage practices and the absence of fire protection systems were the primary causes of the destructive blaze. The report highlighted two potential triggers – the overheating of lithium-ion batteries stored without temperature regulation and an electrical short circuit. Arson or sabotage was discounted due to insufficient evidence.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the ground handler overseeing the import cargo complex, led the investigation and presented its findings to the civil aviation ministry on November 3. The fire originated in the courier building, leased to and constructed by the International Air Express Association of Bangladesh (IAEAB), before spreading to the import cargo section. The storage compartments within the area were packed with various imported goods, including electronics such as laptops, computers, and mobile phones, alongside lithium-ion batteries that require controlled storage conditions, which were lacking.
CCTV footage captured smoke emerging from the shed at 2:15pm, with flames erupting shortly after. Despite the escalating situation, sprinklers failed to activate, and the Airport Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) team was only alerted at 2:19pm. The delayed response led to a significant delay in containing the fire, with the first fire truck arriving after the blaze had already engulfed the area.
The report also highlighted deficiencies in fire safety measures at the airport, including a lack of fire hydrants near the import cargo complex and blocked access roads due to uncleared cargo, hindering firefighting efforts. Recommendations included the need for clear delineation of responsibilities in lease agreements for the cargo complex and the installation of automatic fire detection and suppression systems in all relevant structures.
Furthermore, historical neglect of fire safety concerns at the airport was noted, with warnings dating back more than a decade. The article also mentioned missing weapons from the airport’s vault, raising security concerns. Investigations into the missing weapons and the overall fire incident are ongoing, with authorities working to address the lapses in safety protocols and operational procedures at the airport.