A devastating fire in Ukhiya upazila of Cox’s Bazar killed a trader, injured at least nine people and burned down more than 40 shops and establishments on Monday.
The blaze broke out around 3:30pm at a market known as Daroga Bazar, located behind the Krishi Bank at South Station. Five firefighting units battled the fire for over two to three hours before bringing it under control in the evening.
The deceased was identified as Mohammad Ali, a local trader who was burnt to death in the incident.
Ukhiya Fire Service and Civil Defence Station Officer Dollar Tripura said two units from Ukhiya rushed to the spot initially, followed by two units deployed at Rohingya camps and another from Cox’s Bazar.
“The fire was fully brought under control around 5:15pm,” he said.
“One person has died, and nine others got injured. Preliminary assessment shows 16 business establishments were destroyed and nine structures including homes partially damaged. More than 40 shops have been affected,” he added.
Fire service officials suspect that the fire may have originated from an electrical short circuit in a mattress-making machine at the shop of the deceased Mohammad Ali, though the cause cannot be confirmed before investigation.
Monitoring operations are continuing to ensure the site is fully safe, they said.
CPP Rajapalong Union Team Leader HK Rafiq Uddin said his team joined fire crews immediately after receiving the alert.
Rajapalong Union Parishad Acting Chairman Mir Shahedul Islam Roman said it was one of the most devastating fires in recent years, causing massive losses.
Ukhiya Upazila Health Complex duty doctor Mohammad Sajedul Imran Shawon said the deceased died before receiving treatment, while others injured were given primary medical care.
Ukhiya Police Station Officer-in-Charge Ziaul Haque said the death has been confirmed and legal and administrative procedures are under way.
