JEDDAH: A major disaster is waiting to happen in the fish market of Madinah because of the callous attitude of traders toward handling of gas cylinders.

A visit to the market presents a dreadful picture of cylinders kept on top of each other without regard to safety.

The cylinders are not only piled up, but also kept close to burning stoves or fires without bothering for safety measures.

Another hazardous activity that goes unchecked is the dipping of gas cylinders in boiling water in the winter season in an attempt to liquify the gas. This practice, which generally happens in restaurants and bakeries, goes on in the market, local media reported.

Mohammad Zouaid, a visitor to the market, expressed dismay and fear at the situation. “Putting the cylinders in boiling water poses a real threat to the lives of citizens and others in the market. They are almost playing with bombs that might explode at any moment,” he said.