Chemical explosion in Dhaka's Rupnagar claims 16 lives
At least 16 bodies have been recovered from the a burnt garment factory where a devastating fire broke out following a suspected chemical explosion in Rupnagar area, in Dhaka's Mirpur, today, said Fire Service and Civil Defence.
Addressing a media briefing at the scene around 7:00pm, Fire Service Director (Operation and Maintenance) Lt Col Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury said the bodies were found during search operations in the second and third floors of the four-storey building.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. "So far, we have recovered 16 bodies. Their faces are completely unrecognisable due to burning. Identification will only be possible through DNA testing," he said.
Twelve fire fighting units are working to douse the blaze, said Talha Bin Zasim, an officer of the Fire Service's media wing.
The fire started in the compound of a pharmaceutical company this morning, he said.The fire service official added that they received the report of the fire at 11:40am, and the first team reached the scene at 11:56am.
Lt Col Tajul said initial findings suggested that the victims had become trapped between the second and third floors.
"The roof of the building was made of tin and thatched materials, and the rooftop exit was locked with two padlocks. They could not go up, and because of the toxic gas and the flashover (sudden ignition and fire) caused by the chemical explosion, they became unconscious and died instantly," he said.
He said that during the flashover stage, the fire spread rapidly, releasing highly toxic gas.
"It entered what we call the third stage of fire development. The victims inhaled the gas, lost consciousness, and couldn't escape," said Tajul.
"A total of 12 units have been working at the site. The fire in the garment section has been brought under control, but the fire inside the chemical warehouse next to it is still burning," he said.
Lt Col Tajul said the chemical warehouse remained too dangerous to enter.
"We have not started rescue operations inside the warehouse yet because it is unsafe. We are observing the situation using technology such as loop monitors and drones. The fire there has not been brought under control, and it will take more time," he said.
He said local workers and residents informed them that six to seven types of chemicals were stored in the warehouse.
"We have been told that there were bleaching powder, meta potash, enzymes, salt, and hydrogen peroxide, among other substances. Flames are still visible inside, and thick smoke continues to rise. This will take time to extinguish," he said.
All 16 bodies recovered from the garment factory are being sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for identification. "Ambulances are transporting the bodies one by one. We expect to complete the recovery soon," he said.
He further revealed that neither the garment factory nor the chemical warehouse had any fire safety licence or approval. "We have confirmed that there was no fire safety plan, no licence, and no proper fire protection measures in place," he said.
"We pray for the departed souls of the 16 people who lost their lives in this tragic incident. Our operation continues, and we will update once the chemical fire is fully brought under control," added Lt Col Tajul.
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