Tragic Garment Factory Fire in the South Asian nation Takes a Minimum of 16 Lives
At least 16 persons have died after a huge fire broke out at a garment factory in Bangladesh, with officials warning that the death toll could increase.
Sixteen bodies have been retrieved but were charred beyond recognition, the fire service reported.
Heartbroken relatives converged outside the multi-story factory in the Mirpur district of Dhaka on that day in search of their dear ones still not found.
The fire, which started at the factory around noon, was brought under control after several hours. But an nearby chemical warehouse kept burning, authorities confirmed.
Until 21:00 local time (15:00 GMT) yesterday, the fire at the chemical warehouse had not been completely doused, media reports indicated.
Emergency responders have not ascertained which of the two buildings caught fire first.
Per witnesses, the chemical warehouse housed industrial bleaches, plastic materials and industrial peroxide, all of which can intensify fires. Synthetic materials also emits hazardous smoke when ignited.
Police and military officers are still trying to locate the proprietors of the factory and the warehouse, fire service director the fire service official told the media.
An inquiry on whether the warehouse was running according to regulations is also ongoing, he mentioned.
Crying family members waited outside the burned buildings, many of them holding photographs of their missing relatives.
Among them is a man seeking urgently for his daughter, his loved one.
"When I learned of the fire, I rushed here. But I still haven't found her... I just want my daughter back," he stated to news media.
The devastating event has another time underscored the safety concerns facing Bangladesh's garment industry, which employs numerous of workers and is a crucial provider of export earnings for the South Asian economy.
