At least 16 people have died after a massive fire broke out at a garment factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh, with officials warning that the death toll could rise as rescue efforts continue.
According to the fire service, the victims’ bodies were found completely burned beyond recognition. The blaze erupted around midday Tuesday at a four-story factory in Mirpur, one of Dhaka’s densely populated industrial zones, and was brought under control after nearly three hours.
However, a nearby chemical warehouse continued to burn late into the night, authorities said.
“The victims most likely died immediately after inhaling extremely toxic gases,” said Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury, director of the fire service.
Witnesses reported that the chemical warehouse contained bleaching powder, plastic, and hydrogen peroxide — materials known to accelerate the spread of fire and release toxic fumes when burned.
By 9:00 p.m. local time (15:00 GMT), the fire in the warehouse still hadn’t been fully extinguished, according to local media.
Fire officials have not yet determined which building caught fire first, while police and the army are searching for the factory and warehouse owners. Authorities have also opened an investigation to determine whether the chemical depot was operating legally.
Outside the charred buildings, heartbroken families waited anxiously, holding photos of their missing loved ones.
One grieving father told Reuters:
“When I heard about the fire, I ran here immediately. But I still haven’t found my daughter, Farzana Akhter… I just want her back.”
Large fires remain common in Bangladesh, a country with poor safety standards and aging industrial infrastructure. Over the years, hundreds have lost their lives in similar tragedies in the nation’s vast garment industry — one of the world’s largest exporters of clothing.
