Deadly Garment Factory Blaze in Bangladesh Takes a Minimum of 16 Fatalities
No fewer than 16 people have died after a enormous fire erupted at a apparel factory in Bangladesh, with officials cautioning that the fatality count could rise.
A total of sixteen bodies have been retrieved but were incinerated beyond recognition, the firefighters reported.
Grief-stricken relatives gathered outside the multi-story factory in the Mirpur district of Dhaka on that day in search of their dear ones still missing.
The blaze, which erupted at the factory around noon, was brought under control after three hours. But an adjacent chemical warehouse remained ablaze, authorities 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 indicated.
Fire department authorities have not ascertained which of the two buildings was the origin point.
According to bystanders, the chemical warehouse housed industrial bleaches, plastic and industrial peroxide, all of which can intensify fires. Polymer products also produces toxic fumes when combusted.
Police and military officers are still searching for the owners of the factory and the warehouse, fire department chief the fire service official told the media.
An inquiry on whether the warehouse was running according to regulations is also in progress, he mentioned.
Tearful family members gathered outside the fire-damaged buildings, many of them grasping photographs of their unaccounted for relatives.
Present at the scene is a man looking frantically for his daughter, his family member.
"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 tragic incident has another time emphasized the safety concerns affecting Bangladesh's apparel manufacturing, which engages millions of workers and is a crucial provider of economic income for the nation.
