Tragedy Strikes Dhaka: Deadly Fire at Shopping Mall Claims Lives
In a devastating incident that unfolded overnight, a fire engulfed a six-story shopping mall in the heart of Dhaka, Bangladesh, leaving at least 43 people dead and dozens injured. The fire broke out late Thursday at a restaurant located on the first floor of the Green Cozy Cottage Shopping Mall, triggering a frantic rescue operation by firefighting units.
The Fire Service and Civil Defense Director General, Brig. Gen. Md. Main Uddin, revealed that more than a dozen firefighting units were deployed to combat the blaze. Firefighters valiantly battled the flames, rescuing survivors and recovering bodies from the wreckage. By the early hours of Friday, the death toll had reached 43, with Health Minister Samanta Lal Sen warning that the number could rise as 18 critically injured individuals were receiving treatment in two state-run hospitals.
Eyewitness accounts shed light on the harrowing ordeal faced by those trapped inside the mall. One survivor, Mohammed Siam, recounted how he and around 30 others sought refuge on the building’s roof as the fire raged below. “I knew about the fire when it was at the first floor. We moved to the roof of the building. After the fire was under control, fire service personnel broke into one side of the roof and rescued us,” Siam said, his voice filled with relief.
As authorities worked tirelessly to bring the situation under control, grief-stricken families gathered at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where 38 victims have been identified and 26 bodies have been released to their loved ones. Bacchu Mia, in charge of a police outpost at the hospital, described the heart-wrenching scene as families anxiously awaited news of their missing relatives. “Overnight many families waited here for their loved ones. It’s a heartbreaking scene as they desperately looked for their family members who died in the tragedy,” Mia lamented.
The morning brought a glimmer of hope as a fire department team ventured into the charred remains of the mall to search for any remaining bodies. Simultaneously, forensic experts commenced their investigation, meticulously scouring the scene for evidence that could shed light on the cause of the fire. At present, the exact origin of the fire remains unknown, leaving investigators with a challenging task ahead.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety measures and the need for stringent regulations to prevent such catastrophes. Bangladesh has witnessed several deadly fires in recent years, often attributed to inadequate safety standards and lax enforcement. The government must now take swift action to ensure that buildings adhere to proper fire safety protocols and that inspections are conducted regularly to prevent future tragedies.
As Dhaka mourns the loss of those who perished in this horrific fire, the nation stands united in grief and solidarity. The victims and their families will forever be remembered, and their tragic fate should serve as a catalyst for change, prompting authorities to prioritize public safety and prevent such disasters from recurring.
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