At least 43 killed in a fire in Dhaka

DHAKA: At least 43 people lost their lives and several injured when a fire engulfed a seven-storey building in an upscale neighbourhood of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh on Thursday.

The fire originated from a popular restaurant before it rapidly spread to the upper floors of the building.

Fire department officials confirmed that the fire broke out at approximately 9:50 pm local time and trapped various people within the building. It took over two hours before the fire could be tamed. Almost 75 individuals were rescued from the burning building.

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The country’s health authorities reported that over 43 people lost their lives in the blame. 40 other people sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the city’s main burn hospital. The severity of the injuries ranged from burns to smoke inhalation.

Eyewitness accounts revealed many people attempting to escape the blaze, with some resorting to jumping from upper floors to avoid the flames. Several individuals were left trapped on the rooftop, pleading for assistance as the fire raged below.

The building contained restaurants along with other businesses such as clothing and mobile phone shops. As the fire rapidly spread through the structure, panic and chaos ensued among people trapped inside.

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Incidents of fires in apartment buildings and factory complexes are common in Bangladesh due to lax enforcement of safety regulations. In July 2021, a fire broke out at a food processing factory and claimed several lives.

The current financial loss is not known. Meanwhile, the Bangladeshi authorities started an investigation into the cause of the fire.