A massive fire that broke out in a chemical warehouse in the city’s Shialbari, Mirpur area is still raging, with toxic smoke suffocating the surrounding neighbourhood. The air is unbreathable near the warehouse, and intense fumes are causing eye irritation.
A team from BUET is expected to visit the site soon to investigate why the fire is not under control and how the Fire Service can manage to extinguish this hazardous blaze.
The fire started at around 11:45am on Tuesday in the chemical warehouse and spread to a nearby garment factory. The death toll has now risen to 16, with several others reported to have been severely burned, according to the Fire Service.
The injured victims have been admitted to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, while the bodies of the deceased have been sent to the morgue at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury, Director (Operation and Maintenance) of the Fire Service and Civil Defence, confirmed the information.
He said, “The bodies are in such a severe condition that they cannot be identified without DNA testing.”
Tajul Islam further added, “The bodies were found in various corners on the second and third floors. They couldn’t come down, and the door to the roof was locked with two locks, leaving no way to move up or down.”
Fire Service officials reported that six to seven types of chemical substances were stored in the warehouse, complicating efforts to put out the fire. Robots, ground monitors, powders, water, enzymes, and hydrogen peroxide are being used to control the blaze.
Tajul Islam also confirmed that a massive explosion occurred at the start of the fire, releasing white smoke or toxic gas, which is extremely harmful.
It is believed that this gas caused the victims to lose consciousness initially, leading to their deaths later.
A total of 12 Fire Service units are working around the clock to control the fire.
Despite nearly 20 hours of effort, the fire has not been completely extinguished.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus expressed deep sorrow and condolences over the tragic incident.
