In Bangladesh, a clothing factory and a nearby chemical warehouse caught fire on Tuesday, resulting in at least 16 deaths and several injuries. According to an official, the death toll is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.
The fire broke out around noon on Tuesday in a seven-story garment factory building located in the Mirpur area of Dhaka. The fire is believed to have started on the third floor of the building and later spread to a warehouse storing bleach, plastic, and hydrogen peroxide.
Fire department official Talha bin Jashim, citing eyewitnesses, stated that “16 bodies have been recovered from the second and third floors of the clothing factory.” The cause of the fire is not immediately known, and as rescue efforts continue, the death toll may increase.
Chowdhury, Tajul Islam, head of the fire department, mentioned that the identity of the factory owners has yet to be confirmed. “Police and the military are searching for them,” he said. When asked about the operating license of the chemical warehouse, he mentioned, “We are currently not clear about the permit situation. But as far as we know, it was illegal. We will confirm after the investigation is completed.”
Grieving relatives gathered to search for their loved ones, some clutching tightly onto photos of their family members.
Interim Bangladeshi leader Muhammad Yunus expressed deep condolences for the tragedy. He instructed authorities to investigate the cause of the fire and ensure that the victims and their families receive all necessary assistance.
Bangladesh has poor firefighting and building safety standards, leading to dozens of such disasters every year. Previous incidents have also damaged the country’s textile industry, which employs over four million people and accounts for more than 10% of Bangladesh’s GDP.
In 2013, the multi-story garment factory building in Rana Plaza suddenly collapsed, resulting in the deaths of over 1,100 people.