Gas leak near school puts students at risk

A gas leak from a damaged Titas Gas pipeline has sparked safety concerns in Muslimabad, Ward 4 of Jamalpur Municipality, with the leak reportedly continuing for around 25 days near a government primary school attended by approximately 200 children.

The damaged pipeline poses potential fire and explosion risks to local residents, pedestrians and students at Muslimabad Government Primary School. Residents have alleged that no effective repair work was undertaken for weeks after the damage occurred.

According to local sources, road renovation work began four to five months ago on an approximately 100-metre stretch between Porichorja Clinic and Muslimabad Jame Mosque.

In late September, a heavy road roller used to level the surface reportedly damaged the underground main Titas Gas pipeline at two points, causing gas to escape continuously.

Residents said the prolonged leak had heightened fears of a fire or explosion, particularly because people regularly use the road. They warned that a cigarette butt or a discarded match could potentially trigger a serious accident.

The nearby school is a particular concern, as around 200 children attend classes there from morning until afternoon. Parents fear that an accident could cause casualties, while some students have complained of a persistent gas smell and physical discomfort.

Local resident Farhan Ahmed Badal said the pipeline was damaged by pressure from the road roller during renovation work.

“Gas has been leaking for around 25 days, but the problem has not been fixed. We are living in fear that a major fire could break out at any time,” he said.

Another resident, identified as Angur, expressed concern that a cigarette or other ignition source could set the leaked gas alight. He also claimed that the leak had reduced gas pressure in nearby homes and called for urgent repairs.

Eleven-year-old student Nirob Hossain said he uses the road to get to school and plays there in the afternoon.

“There is a strange smell of gas. Sometimes my body itches because of it,” he said.

Contacted about the pipeline damage, Jamalpur Municipality Secretary Md Hafizur Rahman said he was unaware of the incident and had learned about it from the reporter.

However, Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution’s Jamalpur manager, Durjoy, said water had accumulated at the damaged site, preventing repairs earlier.

“We have started work today and hope to complete the repairs by tomorrow,” he said.

The prolonged leak has raised questions about emergency response and coordination between the municipality and the gas utility. Prompt repairs and appropriate safety measures are crucial to protect residents and the children attending the nearby school.