(BSS) - Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq today said no fire-fighting vehicle was obstructed from entering Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) during the Saturday`s fire incident at the airport`s cargo complex.

Responding to queries at a press briefing at the CAAB headquarters this morning, he said, "No fire-fighting vehicle was obstructed from entering. Neither the Fire Service nor any other agency has claimed that their vehicles were delayed in entering the site."

He cautioned against misinformation surrounding the incident, saying, "A lot of rumours are also being spread regarding the incident. These must be avoided in the greater interest of the country."

Although the airports under the Civil Aviation Authority possess fire-fighting capabilities, he said that there remains scope for further enhancement.

"I won`t say that we lack capability, but it needs to be strengthened further," he said.

Regarding the intensity of the blaze, he observed, "The fire at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport cargo area was severe because of the presence of flammable materials. That is why it could not be brought under control at the initial stage."

The CAAB chairman said the fire at the Cargo Village is believed to have originated from the Import Courier Section.

"We are not certain yet, but that is the preliminary assumption. Several agencies are working on the issue, and the exact cause of the fire will be known after the investigation reports are finalized," he added.

He informed that as soon as the fire broke out, the airport`s own fire unit reached the scene within 30 seconds, while additional teams from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Fire Service joined shortly afterward.

"Within 10 minutes, three fire vehicles arrived from the Air Force`s A.K. Khandaker Base, and within 20 minutes, two more from Bashar Air Base. In total, over 40 fire-fighting vehicles took part in controlling the blaze," he said.

The chairman said 15 flights were rerouted to different destinations following the incident, and all passengers affected by the temporary suspension of flights were sent to their destinations by 4 p.m. the following day.

"No casualties occurred, and a major disaster was averted thanks to coordinated efforts," he added.

The Chairman said it was a huge success that the airport came under operation less than six hours.