Bangladesh: 52 killed, 50 others injured in factory fire
At least 52 people were killed and over 50 others injured in a massive fire that broke out at a six-story juice factory outside Bangladesh's capital Dhaka, according to media reports on Friday. The fire broke out at around 5:00 pm on Thursday at the Shezan juice factory in Naryanganj's Rupganj, said the fire officials. Here's more.
Fire reportedly originated from the ground floor of the building
It is suspected that the fire originated from the ground floor of the building and spread quickly due to the presence of chemicals and plastic bottles. Fifty-two people have died and over 50 others were injured in the fire, the Dhaka Tribune reported. Several workers jumped off the building to escape the devastating fire, it further said.
Identities of 44 missing workers have been identified
Eighteen firefighting units were struggling to douse the fire at the factory building of Hashem Foods Limited. Several people gathered in front of the factory building in search of their loved ones who are still missing, the newspaper reported. Of the many missing, the identities of 44 missing workers have been confirmed, it further said.
Building had no proper fire safety measures: Rescued workers
Rescued workers and relatives of the workers alleged the front gate and the only exit of the factory remained locked at the time of the fire. They also claimed that the building had no proper fire safety measures in place. Deputy Director of Narayanganj District Fire Service Abdullah Al Arefin said it will take some time to fully control the fire.
Five-member probe committee to look into the incident
"Until the fire is doused, it is not possible to say exactly how much damage has occurred and the cause of the fire," Arefin added. Meanwhile, a five-member probe committee has been formed by the district administration to look into the incident.
