Massive blaze engulfs multi-storey building in Dhaka, Bangladesh; Death toll at 44 and rising
In the multi-story building where the fire broke out in the capital, Dhaka, apart from food items, there were clothes, mobiles, and other shops.
At least 44 people have died in a massive fire in Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, while more than 40 people have sustained burn injuries. It is feared that the death toll may increase. At present, people burned in the fire have been admitted to Dhaka Medical College and the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.
According to an official of the Dhaka Fire Department, the fire broke out in a 7-story building located on Bailey Road in Dhaka at around 10 pm on Thursday night. In the multi-story building where the fire broke out, apart from food shops, there were also clothes, mobile, and other shops. With the help of a total of 13 fire brigade vehicles, the fire was brought under control after about two hours of effort, i.e., by 12 o'clock.
Rescue started after extinguishing the fire
According to firefighters, a rescue operation was conducted after the fire was brought under control. Fire brigade officer Mohammad Mainuddin said that the fire first broke out on the first and second floors on Thursday night. The fire slowly spread upward. Many people got trapped inside the building as the fire spread from bottom to top. Many people took shelter on the rooftop to escape the fire and smoke.
According to officials, after the fire, the fire brigade rescued a total of 75 people from inside the building. 40 of them have been admitted to the hospital in an injured condition. Officials said that rescue work will be started again this morning. He also said that there were many restaurants in the house. How the fire started is being investigated.
Health Minister visited the hospital
Health Minister Samantlal Sen visited Dhaka Medical College and the Sheikh Hasina National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute and inquired about the condition of the injured. He said that 44 people have died, and this number may increase.
In Bangladesh, incidents of fire in high-rise buildings or factories due to violations of fire prevention rules are not new. In 2021, a total of 52 people, including children, died in a fire at a food processing plant. In 2019, 27 people lost their lives in a multi-story fire in Dhaka. In the same year, 71 people lost their lives in another fire incident, while many were injured. In 2010, a total of 124 people lost their lives in a fire in a chemical factory in Dhaka.
