Deadly Garment Factory Fire in the South Asian nation Takes a Minimum of 16 Victims
A minimum of 16 people have lost their lives after a enormous fire broke out at a apparel factory in Bangladesh, with authorities stating that the death toll could rise.
16 bodies have been recovered but were charred beyond recognition, the fire department stated.
Grief-stricken relatives converged outside the multi-story factory in Dhaka's Mirpur area on that day in seeking their dear ones still not found.
The inferno, which erupted at the factory around noon, was brought under control after multiple hours. But an nearby chemical warehouse remained ablaze, officials confirmed.
As late as 21:00 local time (15:00 GMT) that day, the fire at the chemical warehouse had not been entirely put out, news sources said.
Emergency responders have not established which of the two buildings ignited initially.
Per witnesses, the chemical warehouse contained bleaching powder, synthetic polymers and chemical peroxide, all of which can worsen fires. Polymer products also emits hazardous smoke when combusted.
Law enforcement and armed forces are still searching for the owners of the factory and the warehouse, fire service director the fire service official told the media.
An probe on whether the warehouse was functioning with proper authorization is also in progress, he added.
Tearful family members stood outside the fire-damaged buildings, many of them holding photographs of their unaccounted for relatives.
Present at the scene is a man looking frantically for his daughter, Farzana Akhter.
"When I heard about the fire, I rushed here. But I still haven't found her... I just want my loved one back," he stated to journalists.
The devastating event has once again highlighted the safety concerns affecting Bangladesh's apparel manufacturing, which employs millions of workers and is a significant provider of foreign revenue for the country.
