Dhaka, Bangladesh Global: At least nine people were killed and several injured after a fire broke out at a building housing a chemical godown and a garment factory in the Shialbari area of Mirpur in Dhaka on Tuesday. Lt Col Tajul Islam Chowdhury, director (operations and maintenance) of the Fire Service and Civil Defence, said nine bodies have been recovered so far.
“The search operation is still going on,” he added. Tajul Islam said they suspect the victims may have died after inhaling toxic gas following a chemical explosion. “The exact cause will be known after investigation,” he added.
As the fire at the chemical godown is yet to be brought under control, the area remains extremely risky and no one is being allowed near the factory, he said, urging everyone to stay at least 300 yards away from the fire site.
The fire broke out around 11:40 am and quickly spread through the building, said Talha Bin Jashim, an official of the Fire Service and Civil Defence media cell. On information, seven firefighting units rushed to the spot and were working to bring the blaze under control.
Meanwhile, three injured -- Mamun, 35, Sohel, 32, and Suruj, 30, -- were admitted to National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. They were rescued in an unconscious state around 2:45pm and taken to the emergency unit of the Burn Institute, said Dr Shaon Bin Rahman, the resident surgeon of the hospital.
Mamun’s relative, Josna, said Mamun works as a cutting master and Sohel in the finishing section at AR Fashion. Suruj had come to inspect the product quality for an order.
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