Bangladesh

At least 69 killed in Old Dhaka fire

Prothom Alo English Desk
Burnt buildings are seen after a fire broke out in Dhaka on February 21, 2019. At least 69 people have died in a huge blaze that tore through apartment buildings also used as chemical warehouses in an old part of the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka, fire officials said on 21 February 2019. Photo: AFP
Burnt buildings are seen after a fire broke out in Dhaka on February 21, 2019. At least 69 people have died in a huge blaze that tore through apartment buildings also used as chemical warehouses in an old part of the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka, fire officials said on 21 February 2019. Photo: AFP

The fire that broke out at a chemical warehouse in the city's Chawkbazar area on Wednesday night killed at least 69 people.

The fire could not be doused completely till Thursday morning.

The rescuers brought 69 dead bodies to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital till 8:00 in the morning.

But, local people and fire service officials said the death toll might rise.

Fire service officials said a total of 37 firefighting units from 13 stations are now working to douse the fire.

Map of Dhaka, Bangladesh where a fire has left scores dead, officials said Thursday. AFP
Map of Dhaka, Bangladesh where a fire has left scores dead, officials said Thursday. AFP

The news agency UNB reports that duty officer at the Fire Service Central Control Room Ziaur Rahman said the fire originated at the chemical warehouse on the ground floor of a five-storey building at Churihaat around 10:38 on Wednesday night.

The reason behind the fire could not be known yet, he added.

The task has become difficult due to the narrow road in front of the building, Ziaur said.

The injured were also taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) and Mitford Hospital, said Bacchu Mia, in-charge of DMCH police camp.

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