Tragic Garment Factory Fire in the South Asian nation Takes at Least 16 Victims
A minimum of 16 individuals have lost their lives after a huge fire erupted at a apparel factory in Bangladesh, with authorities stating that the fatality count could increase.
16 bodies have been recovered but were incinerated unrecognizable, the firefighters stated.
Heartbroken relatives gathered outside the four-level factory in Mirpur, Dhaka on that day in looking for their dear ones still not found.
The fire, which started at the factory around noon, was brought under control after several hours. But an neighboring chemical warehouse remained ablaze, emergency services reported.
As late as 21:00 local time (15:00 GMT) on Tuesday, the fire at the chemical warehouse had not been completely doused, media reports indicated.
Fire service officials have not established which of the two buildings was the origin point.
According to witnesses, the chemical warehouse stored industrial bleaches, plastic materials and hydrogen peroxide, all of which can intensify fires. Plastic also produces toxic fumes when combusted.
Law enforcement and armed forces are still trying to locate the proprietors of the factory and the warehouse, emergency services head the fire service official briefed the media.
An probe on whether the warehouse was operating legally is also currently underway, he added.
Tearful family members gathered outside the charred buildings, many of them grasping photographs of their missing relatives.
Among them is a man seeking urgently for his daughter, Farzana Akhter.
"When I was informed of the fire, I rushed here. But I still have been unable to find her... I just want my child back," he stated to reporters.
The tragic incident has another time highlighted the safety concerns plaguing Bangladesh's garment industry, which provides jobs for millions of workers and is a major contributor to export earnings for the country.
