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Immediately lethal’ toxic gas

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Toxic hydrogen sulphide gas at "immediately lethal" levels was detected in the burnt Mirpur Shialbari chemical warehouse on Friday, as smoke continued to billow from the site more than 72 hours after a blaze killed at least 16 people.

Mohammad Mahmuduzzaman, assistant commissioner (AC) and team leader of the DMP's Bomb Disposal Unit, said on Friday afternoon that the hydrogen sulphide level inside the warehouse was measured at 149 PPM (parts per million). Earlier, he and a four-member unit had entered the warehouse with gas detectors and other equipment.

He added that other toxic elements were in the surrounding air and advised an evacuation of at least a 150-300 metre radius, warning that the gas could spread at least 1.5 km downwind.

Fire Service officials confirmed the warehouse was packed with chemicals. "We have information that chemicals worth Tk 7 crore were brought to the warehouse just the day before the fire. The whole warehouse was full," FSCD media officer Talha bin Zasim told The Daily Star.