Dhaka, Bangladesh – A tragic fire in a multi-storey building resulted in the deaths of at least 43 people, according to the country’s health minister. The blaze, which started in a restaurant in the capital city of Dhaka on Thursday evening, quickly spread, trapping numerous individuals inside.
Local media reported that the fire broke out around 10:00 PM local time, leading to a rapid escalation that engulfed the building. Fire officials were able to bring the fire under control eventually, although investigations into the cause are ongoing.
Health Minister Samanta Lal Sen confirmed that 33 individuals, including women and children, lost their lives at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, with an additional 10 fatalities at the main burns hospital in the city. Many more were injured in the incident and received medical care in various facilities.
The building where the fire occurred housed the Kacchi Bhai restaurant and several other businesses, including clothing and mobile phone shops. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as smoke filled the premises, prompting desperate attempts to evacuate and escape from the building.
Survivors recounted harrowing experiences of climbing down the building using a water pipe and jumping from upstairs to evade the flames. Mohammad Altaf, who narrowly escaped through a broken window, tragically lost two colleagues who had been assisting with rescue efforts.
Unfortunately, fires in commercial and residential buildings are not uncommon in Bangladesh, often attributed to poor safety practices and lax enforcement of regulations. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved fire safety measures across the country to prevent such devastating losses in the future.