Deadly Clothing Factory Fire in Bangladesh Takes a Minimum of 16 Victims
No fewer than 16 individuals have lost their lives after a enormous fire started at a garment factory in Bangladesh, with emergency services cautioning that the death toll could rise.
Sixteen bodies have been found but were burned beyond recognition, the fire service said.
Grief-stricken relatives assembled outside the multi-story factory in Mirpur, Dhaka on that day in seeking their loved ones still missing.
The fire, which broke out at the factory around midday, was extinguished after three hours. But an neighboring chemical warehouse continued to burn, authorities confirmed.
As late as 21:00 local time (15:00 GMT) yesterday, the fire at the chemical warehouse had not been completely doused, media reports indicated.
Fire service officials have not determined which of the two buildings ignited initially.
According to eyewitnesses, the chemical warehouse housed industrial bleaches, synthetic polymers and hydrogen peroxide, all of which can accelerate fires. Polymer products also releases toxic fumes when burned.
Security personnel are still trying to locate the proprietors of the factory and the warehouse, fire department chief Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury briefed journalists.
An investigation on whether the warehouse was functioning with proper authorization is also currently underway, he added.
Tearful family members gathered outside the fire-damaged buildings, many of them holding photographs of their unaccounted for relatives.
Included in the crowd is a man looking frantically for his daughter, Farzana Akhter.
"When I was informed of the fire, I hurried to the scene. But I still haven't found her... I just want my child back," he told reporters.
The devastating event has once again emphasized the security issues plaguing Bangladesh's apparel manufacturing, which engages millions of workers and is a crucial contributor to foreign revenue for the country.
