A devastating fire engulfed a six-storey building in Bangladesh, claiming the lives of at least 46 people and leaving dozens injured, as confirmed by the health minister on Friday. The blaze erupted in a restaurant complex, where numerous families, including children, were dining.
Authorities suspect that a gas leak or a stove malfunction triggered the fire, which quickly spread through the building located in the capital city of Dhaka. It took 13 units of firefighters nearly two hours to bring the inferno under control.
Health Minister Samanta Lal Sen revealed that hospitals are currently treating 22 individuals with severe burn injuries, all of whom are in critical condition. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed shock and sorrow over the incident, directing prompt medical attention for the injured.
Survivors recounted harrowing tales of escape, with one individual, Mohammad Altaf, describing how he broke a window in the kitchen to flee from the flames. Tragically, two of his colleagues perished in the blaze, despite the efforts of a cashier and server who attempted to evacuate people at the onset of the fire.
Firefighters utilized cranes to rescue trapped individuals from the charred structure, while efforts to clear debris and extinguish remaining embers are ongoing. Relatives of the deceased gathered at hospitals to receive the bodies, mourning the loss of their loved ones.
The tragic incident claimed the lives of families celebrating significant milestones, such as Syed Mubarak Hossain Kauchar and his family, who were planning to emigrate to Italy. Doctors reported that most victims succumbed to suffocation, while others tragically died from fall injuries.
Preliminary investigations revealed significant safety deficiencies in the building, including inadequate ventilation, emergency exits, and the presence of gas cylinders on every floor. The government has formed a five-member panel to probe the incident.
While Bangladesh's garment sector has seen improvements in safety standards following past tragedies, other industries, particularly catering to the domestic market, remain susceptible to disasters due to lax safety measures.
The opposition party criticized the government for the incident, citing a lack of accountability and rule of law. Fires are unfortunately common in Dhaka due to overcrowding and poor safety standards in new buildings, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive safety reforms.
