Deadly Garment Factory Blaze in the South Asian nation Claims a Minimum of 16 Fatalities
At least 16 persons have lost their lives after a massive fire started at a apparel factory in Bangladesh, with authorities cautioning that the fatality count could climb.
Sixteen bodies have been found but were burned unrecognizable, the fire department said.
Heartbroken relatives gathered outside the multi-story factory in Mirpur, Dhaka on Tuesday in seeking their dear ones still missing.
The blaze, which erupted at the factory around midday, was brought under control after three hours. But an adjacent chemical warehouse kept burning, officials confirmed.
As late as 21:00 local time (15:00 GMT) on Tuesday, the fire at the chemical warehouse had not been entirely put out, media reports reported.
Emergency responders have not established which of the two buildings caught fire first.
According to bystanders, the chemical warehouse stored bleaching powder, plastic materials and industrial peroxide, all of which can accelerate fires. Synthetic materials also emits toxic fumes when burned.
Law enforcement and armed forces are still attempting to find the proprietors of the factory and the warehouse, fire service director the fire service official briefed reporters.
An probe on whether the warehouse was running according to regulations is also ongoing, he noted.
Crying family members stood outside the fire-damaged buildings, many of them clutching photographs of their missing relatives.
Among them is a man searching desperately for his daughter, Farzana Akhter.
"When I learned of the fire, I came running. But I still haven't found her... I just want my daughter back," he stated to reporters.
The tragic incident has yet again underscored the safety concerns affecting Bangladesh's clothing sector, which engages numerous of workers and is a significant source of economic income for the South Asian economy.
