In a horrifying incident, a devastating fire broke out in a seven-story building in Dhaka, Bangladesh, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 43 lives. Additionally, 22 individuals sustained injuries as the fire rapidly spread from a restaurant on the first floor to other floors, making rescue efforts challenging. The identification of bodies has become difficult due to the intensity of the blaze.
Key Points
- A seven-story building in Dhaka, Bangladesh, caught fire, claiming the lives of 43 people.
- The fire originated in a restaurant on the first floor and quickly spread to other floors.
- Identification of bodies has become challenging due to the severity of the fire.
Incident Details
The fire erupted on Thursday night in a seven-story building in Dhaka, causing panic and chaos as residents attempted to escape. The first floor, housing a restaurant, was the initial point of ignition, and the flames swiftly engulfed the upper floors, trapping many individuals.
Casualties and Injuries
Health Minister Dr. Samant Lal Sen confirmed the tragic incident, reporting that at least 43 people lost their lives, while 22 others suffered injuries. The condition of the injured is described as delicate. The victims were rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) and Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery for treatment.
Challenges in Identification
Dr. Sen, who is also a medical professional, highlighted the severity of injuries among survivors, stating, “The respiratory system of those who survived has been severely affected.” The identification of bodies has become a challenging task due to the extent of damage caused by the intense fire. Officials fear that the death toll might rise as the situation unfolds.
Rescue Efforts and Evacuation
After the fire broke out, people rushed to escape, leading to a chaotic scene. Many sought refuge on the upper floors, prompting a significant evacuation operation. Firefighters deployed 13 vehicles to the scene, and some individuals were rescued using ladders. The situation required immediate and coordinated efforts from emergency services to contain the fire and rescue those trapped.
The tragic incident in Dhaka marks a devastating loss of lives and underscores the importance of stringent fire safety measures. As authorities work to investigate the cause of the fire and provide assistance to the affected families, questions regarding building safety and emergency response procedures will likely come under scrutiny. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the need for proactive measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.