Deadly Garment Factory Inferno in the South Asian nation Claims a Minimum of 16 Lives
No fewer than 16 persons have died after a enormous fire started at a garment factory in Bangladesh, with emergency services stating that the death toll could rise.
16 bodies have been retrieved but were charred unrecognizable, the fire department reported.
Heartbroken relatives converged outside the multi-story factory in Mirpur, Dhaka on Tuesday in looking for their dear ones still not found.
The fire, which erupted at the factory around midday, was extinguished after multiple hours. But an adjacent chemical warehouse remained ablaze, authorities reported.
Up until 21:00 local time (15:00 GMT) yesterday, the fire at the chemical warehouse had not been completely doused, news sources said.
Emergency responders have not ascertained which of the two buildings ignited initially.
According to bystanders, the chemical warehouse contained industrial bleaches, synthetic polymers and hydrogen peroxide, all of which can accelerate fires. Polymer products also produces toxic fumes when combusted.
Police and military officers are still attempting to find the operators of the factory and the warehouse, emergency services head Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury informed the media.
An inquiry on whether the warehouse was operating legally is also currently underway, he mentioned.
Tearful family members stood outside the charred buildings, many of them clutching photographs of their lost relatives.
Included in the crowd is a man searching desperately for his daughter, his family member.
"When I learned of the fire, I hurried to the scene. But I still haven't found her... I just want my daughter back," he stated to reporters.
The tragic incident has another time underscored the security issues facing Bangladesh's clothing sector, which employs countless of workers and is a significant source of economic income for the nation.