A fire, reportedly triggered by a mosquito coil, destroyed at least 14 houses and shops in Jalia Para of Hnila Union in Teknaf, leaving at least 10 people injured.
The blaze broke out at Natmura Jalia Para under Ward No 5 of Hnila Union.
According to local sources, the fire originated from a mosquito coil lit in the home of a fisherman, Hashimon Dash. Due to the houses being constructed of tarpaulin and tin-sheets, the flames spread rapidly to adjacent structures.
Nasir Uddin, an eyewitness, said that locals rushed to the scene to extinguish the fire, but strong winds caused the blaze to spread so quickly that nothing could be saved.
Upon receiving the news, a unit from the Teknaf Fire Service and Civil Defence arrived at the location and managed to bring the fire under control after an hour of effort. During the operation, at least 10 individuals, including fire service personnel, sustained injuries.
Station Officer of Teknaf Fire Service and Civil Defence, Jamin Mia, stated that preliminary findings suggest the fire started from a mosquito coil. He added that officials are currently working to assess the total extent of the financial damage.
The victims of the fire include fishermen, day labourers, and salon shopkeepers. The affected families, who have lost their homes, furniture, and all daily necessities, are currently living under the open sky.
“Everything we owned is gone. We have no place to stay and are spending the night in the dark under the open sky,” said Hashimon Dash. The displaced families have called for urgent government assistance to recover from the tragedy.
