Bangladesh: Fire in Dhaka leaves 70 people dead, India condoles
Dhaka, Feb 21 (IBNS): A massive fire ripped through several buildings in Bangladesh capital Dhaka on Thursday and left at least 70 people dead, media reports said.
The fire broke out in a four-storey building behind the Shahi Mosque at Churihatta around 10:30pm Wednesday and spread to four other buildings in a grim reminder of the deadly 2010 Nimtali fire, reported bdnews24 news portal.
Dhaka Bangladesh Fire Update : Death toll from Bangladesh building fire rises to 56
— Shark NewsWires (@SharkNewsWires) February 21, 2019
Video By pic.twitter.com/WfC9Jc9QT2
After fighting for 15 hours, rescue workers ended the operation at around 1 pm.
37 fire-fighting units reached the spot and worked for hours to bring the flames under control.
The blaze was highly difficult to control because of flammable chemicals that were stored in several buildings, AKM Shakil Newaz, director of Fire Service and Civil Defence was quoted as saying by bdnews24.
Water was also sprayed from helicopters in the morning to douse the flames.
More than 40 people were hurt in the incident. They were shifted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment.
As per bdnews24 news portal, the fire started at the four-storey building behind the Shahi Mosque, which is at the risk of collapsing due to damage. It is owned by one late Wahid Chairman, according to locals. From there, the fire spread to Rajmoni Restaurant and three other buildings in the narrow alley.
Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina condoled the loss of lives in the tragedy.
HPM #SheikhHasina shocked at the loss of lives in Old Dhaka fire. She asked authorities for proper treatment of the injured and give necessary support to families of the deceased. She conveyed sympathy to the bereaved families and prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls
— Awami League (@albd1971) February 21, 2019
The ruling Awami League tweeted: "HPM #SheikhHasina shocked at the loss of lives in Old Dhaka fire. She asked authorities for proper treatment of the injured and give necessary support to families of the deceased. She conveyed sympathy to the bereaved families and prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls."
Indian government condoles:
Indian government condoled the loss of lives in the incident.
India is saddened by the loss of lives as a result of tragic fire in Dhaka on February 20. We offer our deepest condolences to relatives of those affected by the accident. As a close neighbour & partner, we stand by the people & the Government of Bangladesh in this hour of grief.
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 21, 2019
"India is saddened by the loss of lives as a result of tragic fire in Dhaka on February 20. We offer our deepest condolences to relatives of those affected by the accident. As a close neighbour & partner, we stand by the people & the Government of Bangladesh in this hour of grief," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.
Image: Al Mamun Kabir Twitter page
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