A preliminary investigation has found that an electrical short circuit in a refrigerator sparked the deadly fire at a three-storey resort on the Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf Marine Drive, which later spread after a gas cylinder exploded in the kitchen, killing 10 tourists.
The incident occurred on the morning of 17 October at TupTup Resto and Resort, a structure made of brick, wood and bamboo on about 20 decimals of land near Patuartek beach in Ukhiya upazila.
The resort’s ground floor housed a restaurant and staff accommodation, while eight rooms on the first and second floors were occupied by tourists.
Ukhiya Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Atiqur Rahman said the interrogation of the arrested assistant manager and preliminary findings suggest the fire originated in a refrigerator on the ground floor and later triggered a gas cylinder explosion in the kitchen.
Police said flammable chemical substances stored in the resort’s warehouse, combined with strong winds and the wooden structure caused the flames to spread rapidly. However, the exact nature of the chemicals remains unknown.
Although preliminary findings point to a short circuit and a gas cylinder explosion, the actual cause of the fire has not yet been conclusively established.
The investigation committee formed by the district administration has so far been able to work for only one working day, as its activities were delayed by the Durga Puja holidays.
Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md A Mannan said the committee still has four working days remaining to complete its inquiry and submit its report.
Additional District Magistrate Tasnim Jahan, who heads the committee, said that while a short circuit and gas cylinder explosion are the primary initial findings, the final report will provide a complete account of the incident.
Investigation officer and Ukhiya Police Station Sub-inspector (SI) Rimon Ghosh said conflicting information has emerged regarding the source of the fire and that determining the actual cause will require further investigation.
There are conflicting accounts from victims’ relatives, police and the local administration about how many people were at the resort when the fire broke out.
According to relatives, 21 tourists, including women and children, stayed at the resort on the night of 16 October.
Early the following morning, two tourists, Irene Jahan and Israt Jahan, went for a stroll on the beach while 19 guests remained inside the resort.
Relatives said that among those 19 people, 10 bodies were recovered, six injured guests were admitted to hospital, two escaped by jumping to safety, and one tourist remains unaccounted for.
However, OC Atiqur said preliminary inquiries and information obtained from the arrested assistant manager showed that 19 guests were staying in eight rooms at the time of the incident.
He said 10 tourists died, seven were injured and treated at hospitals, and two escaped by jumping to safety. Police found no evidence of any missing person.
Meanwhile, Ukhiya Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Panna Akter said there were 18 guests inside the resort when the fire broke out.
Tasnim Jahan said reports of a missing guest prompted the Fire Service to carry out a second search after the recovery of the 10 bodies. No additional body was found, although authorities continue to take the matter seriously.
Investigators found that the resort had been operating without the required approvals from regulatory agencies and possessed only a trade licence issued by the Jaliapalong Union Parishad.
Jaliapalong Union Parishad Chairman SM Chhoyad Alam said the trade licence was issued on 22 July this year in the name of Md Tanvir Sultan Mia, whose address was listed as Mirpara in Boalkhali, Chattogram.
He said a total of Tk2,000 was collected for the licence, including a Tk500 licence fee, Tk75 in VAT and Tk1,425 in commercial tax. The licence is valid from 1 July this year to 30 June next year.
He added that he learned after the fire that the resort had no approval or clearance from the Fire Service, the Department of Environment or the Cox’s Bazar Development Authority.
The resort owner and prime accused, Tanvir, has been absconding since the incident. Investigators claimed he is currently in Indonesia.
Another owner of the resort, Newaz Morshed, along with several associates, is also in hiding.
Police have arrested assistant manager Jahid Hossain and sought a seven-day remand for him, although the hearing on the plea has yet to take place.
