Rescue operations at the site of the devastating fire in the Kadamtali Gol Chattar area of Keraniganj officially ended at 6pm on Thursday, following several hours of intensive efforts by emergency personnel.
The blaze, which erupted at a tin-shed gas lighter factory, on Saturday afternoon claimed at least six lives during the early stages of the incident.
Fire Service and Civil Defence personnel carried out a comprehensive search of the site after successfully bringing the blaze under control in the afternoon.
Teams, supported by police and local volunteers, carefully cleared debris while taking strict precautions due to the unstable structure of the factory. Using specialised equipment, rescuers combed through the wreckage to ensure no one remained trapped under the collapsed portions of the building.
Authorities confirmed that after multiple rounds of searching and verification, no additional victims or survivors were found, prompting the official conclusion of the rescue operation.
Earlier, at least two injured individuals had been evacuated and taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, though their current conditions have not been publicly disclosed.
A five-member investigation committee has already begun examining the incident to determine the cause of the fire and identify any lapses in safety protocols. The probe is being carried out in coordination with relevant authorities to ensure accountability and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Officials emphasised that attention now shifts to investigation and recovery, and urged the public to avoid the affected area to prevent disruption of ongoing post-rescue operations.
