Bangladesh
In a devastating incident, at least 44 people lost their lives and dozens were injured in a fierce fire that engulfed a seven-story building in an upscale neighborhood of Dhaka, Bangladesh. The tragedy unfolded late Thursday, with authorities confirming the death toll and assessing the extent of injuries.
Health Minister Samanta Lal Sen reported that 43 people died from the fire, with one additional fatality recorded at Dhaka’s main police hospital, bringing the total to 44. Sen also stated that around 40 injured individuals were receiving treatment at the city’s main burn hospital, emphasizing that none were considered out of danger.
The fire, believed to have originated in a popular biriyani restaurant on Bailey Road, started at 9:50 pm local time and rapidly spread through the upper floors, trapping numerous people. Firefighters, responding promptly, managed to bring the blaze under control within two hours and rescued 75 individuals.
Fire department official Mohammad Shihab indicated a suspicion that the inferno may have been triggered by a gas cylinder blast at the restaurant. The building on Bailey Road housed various establishments, primarily restaurants, along with clothing and mobile phone shops.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes, with some individuals resorting to using a water pipe to escape the building. Many were injured while attempting to flee, while others found themselves trapped on the rooftop, calling for help. The rescue operation faced challenges, but some were successfully brought to safety.
The Bangladeshi government has initiated an investigation into the incident, aiming to determine the cause of the fire and any lapses in safety measures. The tragic event once again underscores the recurring issue of fire safety in Bangladesh, where lax enforcement of regulations has led to numerous fire-related disasters in the past.
In this latest incident, hundreds of distressed family members gathered at Dhaka Medical College Hospital as ambulances transported the deceased and injured, highlighting the profound impact of the tragedy on the community.
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