Devastating Apparel Factory Fire in the South Asian nation Has Taken no Fewer than 16 Fatalities
At least 16 people have lost their lives after a massive fire erupted at a apparel factory in Bangladesh, with authorities stating that the fatality count could climb.
Sixteen bodies have been found but were charred unrecognizable, the fire service stated.
Grief-stricken relatives gathered outside the four-level factory in the Mirpur district of Dhaka on that day in search of their loved ones still missing.
The fire, which started at the factory around midday, was extinguished after multiple hours. But an neighboring chemical warehouse remained ablaze, authorities confirmed.
As late as 21:00 local time (15:00 GMT) yesterday, the fire at the chemical warehouse had not been entirely put out, media reports said.
Emergency responders have not established which of the two buildings ignited initially.
Per witnesses, the chemical warehouse contained industrial bleaches, synthetic polymers and hydrogen peroxide, all of which can accelerate fires. Plastic also produces toxic fumes when ignited.
Security personnel are still searching for the proprietors of the factory and the warehouse, fire department chief the department director told the media.
An probe on whether the warehouse was operating legally is also currently underway, he mentioned.
Tearful family members waited outside the charred buildings, many of them clutching photographs of their unaccounted for relatives.
Present at the scene is a man seeking urgently for his daughter, his family member.
"When I learned of the fire, I hurried to the scene. But I still haven't found her... I just want my child back," he stated to reporters.
The tragic incident has yet again emphasized the hazardous conditions facing Bangladesh's apparel manufacturing, which engages millions of workers and is a major source of export earnings for the nation.
