Tragic Apparel Factory Fire in Bangladesh Has Taken no Fewer than 16 Lives
A minimum of 16 individuals have lost their lives after a enormous fire started at a apparel factory in Bangladesh, with authorities stating that the death toll could increase.
A total of sixteen bodies have been found but were burned beyond recognition, the fire department reported.
Heartbroken relatives converged outside the multi-story factory in Dhaka's Mirpur area on Tuesday in search of their dear ones still not found.
The blaze, which erupted at the factory around lunchtime, was put out after several hours. But an nearby chemical warehouse remained ablaze, authorities said.
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.
Fire service officials have not ascertained which of the two buildings was the origin point.
According to witnesses, the chemical warehouse stored bleaching powder, synthetic polymers and hydrogen peroxide, all of which can accelerate fires. Polymer products also emits toxic fumes when combusted.
Police and military officers are still trying to locate the owners of the factory and the warehouse, fire department chief the fire service official briefed journalists.
An inquiry on whether the warehouse was running according to regulations is also in progress, he added.
Crying family members stood outside the fire-damaged buildings, many of them grasping photographs of their missing relatives.
Included in the crowd is a man looking frantically for his daughter, his family member.
"When I heard about the fire, I hurried to the scene. But I still haven't found her... I just want my child back," he told news media.
The tragic incident has yet again emphasized the hazardous conditions affecting Bangladesh's garment industry, which employs countless of workers and is a major contributor to export earnings for the nation.
