43 Killed, Many Injured In Fire At A Commercial Building In Dhaka, Bangladesh

At least 43 people were killed and scores injured in one of the deadliest fire tragedies at a multi-storied commercial building in Dhaka, Bangladesh late on Thursday night. According to locals, the fire was first spotted at a restaurant in the six-storied building at Bailey Road, the building itself had several other restaurants and the fire had raced up quickly. People trapped inside had even jumped off the windows to save themselves, claim eyewitnesses. While the investigation has begun prima facie the fire started at a restaurant around 10 at night. Firefighters had even spotted gas cylinders, possibly belonging to the restaurants, that were kept on the staircase of the building, and had burst adding to the flare.

Bangladesh Health Minister Samanta Lal Sen, Dhaka-8 lawmaker AFM Bahauddin Nasim, and senior law enforcement officials had rushed to the spot late at night. “33 people including women and children have been declared dead at the Dhaka Medical College and Hospital. At least 10 more have succumbed to burn injuries at the Sheik Hasina National Institute of Burns and Plastic Surgery. Many more still there under treatment, reportedly critical” said Samanta Lal Sen, Bangladesh Health minister.

Survivors recounting the horror claim, people after spotting the fire near the staircase had climbed up to the upper floors for the terrace and thereby got trapped further. “As soon as the fire broke out, we were about to leave the restaurant and we had a narrow escape. I jumped off a window. But some had no choice but to climb up. The fire spread in no time. Two of my friends who were trying to rescue others, later died” said Mohammad Altaf, yet to come to terms with the horror.

Fire tragedies have been common in densely populated Dhaka with poor infrastructure and governing policies enforcing regulations. But the fire on Thursday night has been one of the worst in recent times. More than 70 people were rescued after 2 hours of herculean efforts trying to bring the fire under control by 13 fire tenders. Bodies recovered from the building, have been sent to a government hospital for identification.​