Bangladesh Fire Kills Over 100, Death Toll Likely To Increase
DHAKA: Over 100 people were killed and many others wounded in a deadly fire that ripped through the crowded Dhaka last night.
According to reports, the death toll is set to increase, as the rescue workers search for more dead bodies in the debris of ruined buildings. It was worst fire-related accident in the capital since independence, the fire brigade noted. The country's police chief, Nur Mohammad, said that it was too early to predict the exact number of deaths. "I was on the scene through last night, and can guess the number of death could be around 100. But we have to wait to know the final casualty figures," Mohammad said.
The Firefighters said that the narrow streets and haphazard construction of the buildings had jolted the efforts to contain fire. They added that the chemical factories located in the area fueled the fire. "I never have had such a harrowing experience in my 40 years here," said a doctor at the burns unit of the Dhaka Medical College Hospital as patients crammed the corridors and sobbing relatives searched for their loved ones.
Meanwhile, the government has announced June 4 i.e. today as a day of mourning to mark the death of people. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other leaders of Bangladesh extended condolences to the victims and their families. The government has also announced to conduct a probe into fire’s causes.
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