Tragic Apparel Factory Fire in the South Asian nation Takes no Fewer than 16 Lives
At least 16 people have died after a enormous fire broke out at a garment factory in Bangladesh, with authorities warning that the fatality count could rise.
A total of sixteen bodies have been found but were charred beyond recognition, the firefighters stated.
Distraught relatives converged outside the four-level factory in Mirpur, Dhaka on that day in seeking their loved ones still missing.
The fire, which erupted at the factory around midday, was brought under control after several hours. But an nearby chemical warehouse remained ablaze, emergency services confirmed.
Until 21:00 local time (15:00 GMT) on Tuesday, the fire at the chemical warehouse had not been completely doused, media reports indicated.
Fire department authorities have not ascertained which of the two buildings ignited initially.
Based on eyewitnesses, the chemical warehouse contained chemical bleaching agents, plastic and hydrogen peroxide, all of which can intensify fires. Polymer products also releases poisonous gases when burned.
Security personnel are still trying to locate the operators of the factory and the warehouse, fire service director Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury briefed the media.
An investigation on whether the warehouse was operating legally is also currently underway, he noted.
Tearful family members stood outside the burned buildings, many of them holding photographs of their unaccounted for relatives.
Present at the scene is a man looking frantically for his daughter, his loved one.
"When I was informed of the fire, I rushed here. But I still haven't found her... I just want my daughter back," he expressed to news media.
The devastating event has another time highlighted the safety concerns affecting Bangladesh's garment industry, which engages numerous of workers and is a significant provider of foreign revenue for the country.
