Devastating Garment Factory Fire in Bangladesh Takes a Minimum of 16 Lives
No fewer than 16 people have lost their lives after a huge fire broke out at a apparel factory in Bangladesh, with officials stating that the fatality count could climb.
16 bodies have been found but were charred impossible to identify, the fire service reported.
Grief-stricken relatives gathered outside the multi-story factory in Mirpur, Dhaka on that day in search of their dear ones still missing.
The blaze, which started at the factory around noon, was extinguished after several hours. But an neighboring chemical warehouse remained ablaze, emergency services said.
As late as 21:00 local time (15:00 GMT) on Tuesday, the fire at the chemical warehouse had not been completely doused, journalistic accounts reported.
Fire service officials have not ascertained which of the two buildings caught fire first.
According to eyewitnesses, the chemical warehouse contained bleaching powder, plastic and hydrogen peroxide, all of which can worsen fires. Synthetic materials also releases toxic fumes when ignited.
Police and military officers are still trying to locate the proprietors of the factory and the warehouse, fire department chief the fire service official briefed reporters.
An investigation on whether the warehouse was running according to regulations is also ongoing, he mentioned.
Tearful family members waited outside the fire-damaged buildings, many of them holding photographs of their lost relatives.
Among them is a man searching desperately for his daughter, Farzana Akhter.
"When I was informed of the fire, I rushed here. But I still haven't found her... I just want my loved one back," he told reporters.
The tragic incident has another time underscored the safety concerns plaguing Bangladesh's clothing sector, which provides jobs for countless of workers and is a major contributor to foreign revenue for the nation.
