In a tragic incident where fire erupted late Thursday night at a six-storey commercial building on Baily Road in Dhaka, resulting in the loss of at least 43 lives. According to Health Minister Samanta Lal Sen, 33 individuals succumbed to their injuries at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, while 10 others lost their lives at the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. Additionally, more than 22 severely burned victims are currently fighting for their lives.
At least 44 people were killed in a massive fire that engulfed a building in #Bangladesh‘s capital #Dhaka. pic.twitter.com/PDTgeiI0Gf
— Pooja Mehta (@pooja_news) March 1, 2024
Rescue efforts managed to save approximately 75 people, including 42 found unconscious, from the Green Cozy Cottage Shopping Mall where the fire broke out. The mall housed various businesses, including the Kacchi Bhai biriyani shop and an outlet of the retailer Illiyeen.
Videos captured locals and firefighters working tirelessly to rescue those trapped inside the burning building. The fire, which began around 9:50 p.m., was finally brought under control after a two-hour battle.
One of the rescue workers, Mohammad Rashed, along with five colleagues, managed to escape through the back of the building using air jumping bags. A nearby security guard described the initial moments, mentioning that the fire originated from a gas cylinder explosion and rapidly engulfed the upper floors.
Efforts to evacuate were hindered by the swift spread of flames, with some individuals resorting to descending via ropes, resulting in numerous injuries. Approximately 10-15 injured individuals have been transferred to the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery for treatment.
