At least five people were injured in a devastating fire at a garment factory in Jamgara area of Ashulia on Sunday evening. Among the injured, the condition of three is critical, and they have been sent to Dhaka for treatment.
The incident occurred at around 6:45pm on Sunday at F&F factory of Priti Group in Jamgara Chowrasta area.
Upon receiving news of the blaze, four units of the Fire Service arrived at the scene and are working to bring the fire under control. Industrial Police said it has not yet been confirmed whether the fire originated from a boiler explosion or a gas cylinder.
An eyewitness, Liton Mia, a lineman at the garment factory, said several people were injured by the fire and the impact of the blast following the sound of an explosion. He rescued three burnt and seriously injured workers and sent them to hospital.
He confirmed that several others, including a rickshaw puller on the adjacent road, were also injured due to the severe impact of the loud boiler explosion.
Harun-ur-Rashid, manager of the local Nari O Shishu Hospital, said five burnt and injured patients have so far been admitted to the hospital following the fire incident.
The physical condition of three of them is extremely critical. As various parts of their bodies were burnt, they were sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.
Meanwhile, Hemayet, administrative officer of Priti Group’s F&F factory, said no workers are trapped inside the factory.
He said the fire broke out at one corner of the factory boundary wall, adding that it could not be accurately confirmed whether a boiler or gas exploded.
Shahabuddin, senior station officer of Zirabo Fire Service, said Fire Service personnel reached the spot after receiving the news and are working to control the fire. Further action will be taken after monitoring the situation.
Md Mominul Islam Bhuiyan, superintendent of Police of Industrial Police-1, said rescue and fire control operations are under way following the incident. He said it is still not confirmed whether the explosion was caused by a boiler or a cylinder.
He added that rescue workers could not immediately enter the entire area due to the intense fire inside.
As highly flammable fabrics and chemicals were stored in the factory, the fire spread to many sections within moments. Details will be provided later after observing the overall situation.
