At Least 43 Killed in Massive Fire at 7-Storey Building in Bangladesh’s Dhaka

At least 43 people have lost their lives in a massive fire that occurred at a seven-storey building in Bangladesh’s capital, Dhaka, on Thursday night.

More than 22 were injured in the fire. The death toll is expected to rise as the condition of many remains critical due to burn injuries and respiratory issues.

The fire broke out around 9:50 pm on Thursday at a restaurant on the building’s first floor. The flames quickly spread to the upper floors housing more restaurants and a garment shop.

Rescuers evacuated 75 persons from the burning building including 42 in unconscious state. Thirty-three people died at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) and 10 at (the nearby) Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.

Health Minister Dr Samanta Lal Sen, a burn wound specialist, said 22 people are being treated at both health facilities and their condition is “critical”.

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. Bangladesh authorities have launched a probe into the incident.

Locals say, this building was a dangerous building with gas cylinders on every floor, even on the staircases.