Chattogram container depot fire: Another worker dies under treatment

The death toll from the massive fire at BM Container Depot in Sitakunda, Chattogram, has risen to 44, as a 36-year-old man succumbing to his burn injuries at Chattogram Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) in the small hours of Wednesday, reports news agency UNB.

The deceased was identified as Masud Rana, a worker of the container depot. He was originally from Sarishabari in Jamalpur district.

Masud had been undergoing treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where he succumbed to his injuries in the early hours, said Harunur Rashid of the hospital.

Masud’s body will be handed over to his family later in the day, said assistant sub-inspector Alauddin, in-charge of CMCH police outpost.

Meanwhile, the condition of several victims, who sustained burn injuries in the fire, is critical, said deputy commissioner Mominur Rahman.

Initially at least 41 people, including firefighters, died in the fire that broke out at BM Container Depot at Sitakunda in Chattogram on Saturday night. Explosions also occurred at the depot following the fire.

The fire and subsequent blasts at the container depot left over 200 people wounded. Around 130 people are currently undergoing treatment at the burn unit of CMCH, said Anisur Rahman, deputy director of Fire Service and Civil Defence.

On Tuesday noon, the firefighters recovered two bodies from the debris, taking the death toll to 43.

The deadly fire at BM Container Depot was brought under control after over 72 hours on Tuesday. The firefighters were working at the depot tirelessly to douse the flames as smoke was seen billowing from the depot on Tuesday night.

However, what caused the fire could not be known immediately. Already three probe teams have been formed to investigate the exact cause of the fire.