Dhaka: A massive fire broke out last night at a shipping container facility in Bangladesh’s Chittagong, killing at least 49 people, officials reported today.
About 300 people were injured in the incident at the Sitakunda facility, and authorities expect the death toll may rise.
According to police officer Nurul Alam, who is stationed at the Chittagong Medical College Hospital’s police outpost, the fire started as a result of a chemical reaction.
An explosion caused the fire to spread, according to local media.
According to the police officer, the fire started about 9 p.m. and the explosion happened at midnight. The flames quickly spread after the explosion.
According to Istakul Islam, the chief of the Red Crescent Youth Chittagong’s Health and Service Department, “This incident has resulted in the injuries of over 450 persons. It’s possible that the death toll will rise “he stated
According to reports, the explosion was so powerful that it shattered window panes in surrounding residences.
Chittagong Fire Service and Civil Defense Assistant Director Md Faruk Hossain Sikdar said: “Around 19 firefighting units are working to douse the fire and six ambulances are also available on the spot.”
The container depot has been operating since May 2011.
As an independent media platform, we do not take advertisements from governments and corporate houses. It is you, our readers, who have supported us on our journey to do honest and unbiased journalism. Please contribute, so that we can continue to do the same in future.
