Tragic Clothing Factory Fire in the South Asian nation Claims at Least 16 Victims
At least 16 people have lost their lives after a enormous fire broke out at a apparel factory in Bangladesh, with authorities warning that the death toll could increase.
Sixteen bodies have been retrieved but were incinerated beyond recognition, the fire service stated.
Distraught relatives converged outside the multi-story factory in Mirpur, Dhaka on that day in looking for their dear ones still missing.
The blaze, which broke out at the factory around midday, was brought under control after three hours. But an neighboring chemical warehouse kept burning, emergency services said.
Until 21:00 local time (15:00 GMT) yesterday, the fire at the chemical warehouse had not been entirely put out, media reports indicated.
Emergency responders have not established which of the two buildings ignited initially.
Based on bystanders, the chemical warehouse contained bleaching powder, plastic and chemical peroxide, all of which can intensify fires. Polymer products also produces hazardous smoke when burned.
Security personnel are still attempting to find the proprietors of the factory and the warehouse, emergency services head the fire service official briefed journalists.
An investigation on whether the warehouse was operating legally is also ongoing, he noted.
Tearful family members gathered outside the burned buildings, many of them grasping photographs of their lost relatives.
Included in the crowd is a man looking frantically for his daughter, his loved one.
"When I heard about the fire, I rushed here. But I still have been unable to find her... I just want my daughter back," he told news media.
The devastating event has yet again emphasized the hazardous conditions affecting Bangladesh's apparel manufacturing, which engages numerous of workers and is a major contributor to foreign revenue for the country.
