Dhaka : At least 16 people died after a devastating fire tore through a garment factory and a chemical warehouse in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This Bangladesh chemical warehouse fire has drawn significant attention due to the tragic loss of life.
The two buildings sit side by side in front of the Bangladesh University of Business and Technology, Xinhua news agency reported, quoting local media.
“Firefighters brought 12 bodies to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery,” said Talha Bin Jashim, officer-in-charge of the Fire Service media cell in Dhaka. Investigators continue to gather details about the Bangladesh chemical warehouse fire.
At least 12 firefighting units rushed to the site around 11:40 a.m. Tuesday to contain the blaze.
Officials said the fire in the seven-story garment factory started on the third floor, and firefighters have largely extinguished it. However, they continue working to control the chemical warehouse fire, which stored hazardous materials, including bleaching powder, plastic, and hydrogen peroxide.
Another fire official, who requested anonymity, warned that the death toll in the Bangladesh chemical warehouse fire may rise.
Security officials have not yet identified the cause of the fire.
Lt Colonel Tajul Islam Chowdhury, Director (Operations and Maintenance) of the Fire Service and Civil Defence, told UNB that rescuers have found nine bodies so far. “The search operation is still ongoing,” he added.
Tajul Islam said investigators suspect the victims died after inhaling toxic gas from a chemical explosion. “We will know the exact cause after the investigation,” he added.
He also warned that the area remains extremely dangerous since firefighters have not fully contained the chemical godown fire and prohibited anyone from approaching the site. He urged the public to stay at least 300 yards away.
Talha Bin Jashim said the fire erupted at around 11:40 a.m. and quickly spread through the building. Seven firefighting units immediately rushed to the scene to control the blaze.
Meanwhile, three injured people—Mamun (35), Sohel (32), and Suruj (30)—were admitted to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. Dr Shaon Bin Rahman, the hospital’s resident surgeon, said the men arrived unconscious and were immediately treated in the emergency unit.
–IANS
