A devastating fire tore through a multi-storey building in Dhaka, Bangladesh, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 46 lives. The blaze erupted in a restaurant within the seven-floor property, triggering chaos and destruction.
Emergency responders swiftly intervened, rescuing 75 individuals and transporting numerous others to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention. Despite valiant efforts, the inferno raged on for two hours before firefighters managed to bring it under control. Initial investigations point to glaring safety deficiencies, including the absence of emergency exits and hazardous storage of gas cylinders.
Health Minister Samanta Lal Sen confirmed the somber death toll, revealing that 33 victims were pronounced dead at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, with an additional 10 fatalities reported at the main burns facility.
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The gravity of the situation is underscored by the critical condition of 22 survivors. Eyewitnesses shared harrowing accounts of escape, with some resorting to desperate measures like using water pipes and others narrowly evading death by jumping from windows. Amidst the tragedy, tales of heroism emerged, highlighting the selfless efforts of individuals who sacrificed their lives in rescue attempts.
This calamitous event serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for improved fire safety measures in Bangladesh, where such incidents are regrettably commonplace due to inadequate awareness and enforcement of regulations.