A fire at a Bangladesh garment factory and an adjacent chemical warehouse on Tuesday killed at least 16 people and injured several, with the death toll expected to rise as rescue efforts continue, an official said.
“Sixteen bodies have been recovered from the second and third floors of the garment factory,” said fire service director Tajul Islam Chowdhury, adding that the death toll could rise as recovery operations continue.
He said the cause of the fire was not immediately known.
The fire started around noon on the third floor of the seven-story factory in the Mirpur area of the capital, Dhaka, before spreading to a chemical warehouse that stores bleach powder, plastic and hydrogen peroxide, said Talha Bin Jashim, another fire department official, citing witnesses.
Heartbroken relatives gathered in search of their loved ones, some with photographs in their hands.
History of industrial disasters
Chowdhury said the owners of the factory have not yet been identified. “The police and the army are looking for them.”
When asked if the chemical warehouse was licensed to operate, he said: “We don’t know anything about the license yet. However, from what we have heard, it is illegal. We will be able to confirm this once the investigation is completed.”
In a message of condolence, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, Muhammad Yunus, expressed his deep sorrow over the tragedy. He ordered authorities to investigate the cause of the fire and ensure that the victims and their families receive all necessary assistance.
Poor fire and building safety standards cause dozens of such disasters in Bangladesh each year, and past accidents have tarnished the country’s textile sector, which employs 4 million people and accounts for more than 10 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.
In 2013, more than 1,100 people died when the multi-story Rana Plaza building housing garment factories suddenly collapsed.
On Tuesday, 12 fire units brought the fire at the factory under control after almost three hours, although the fire at the warehouse continued.
Members of the Bangladesh army, police and border guard joined the rescue operation, officials said.
