At least 43 People Killed and Dozens Injured in Dhaka Tragedy
At least 43 people have lost their lives and dozens have been injured following a devastating fire that engulfed a six-story shopping mall in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The tragic incident occurred late Thursday in the bustling downtown area of the capital city.
Health Minister Samanta Lal Sen confirmed the grim toll, stating that firefighters worked tirelessly to rescue survivors and recover bodies from the blazing building. By early Friday, the death toll stood at 43, with at least 22 individuals receiving medical treatment for their injuries.
Trapped by the Flames
The fire, which originated in a popular restaurant on the mall’s first floor, quickly spread throughout the complex, trapping numerous individuals within its walls. Emergency responders, including firefighters and rescue teams, rushed to the scene to aid in evacuation efforts.
Video footage shared on social media captured the intense rescue operation, showing firefighters using cranes to bring people to safety from the upper levels of the mall. Despite the valiant efforts, many found themselves ensnared by the flames.
Cause of the Fire Unknown
As investigations into the incident commenced, authorities were unable to immediately determine the cause of the fire. Health Minister Sen revealed that 33 individuals, including women and children, were pronounced dead at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital, with an additional 10 succumbing to their injuries at the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.
One survivor, Mohammad Altaf, recounted his harrowing escape, stating that he was forced to jump out of a window to evade the inferno. Tragically, two of his coworkers did not survive the ordeal.
Massive Rescue Effort Underway
Fire Service and Civil Defense Director General Brig. Gen. Md. Main Uddin disclosed that over a dozen firefighting units had been mobilized to combat the blaze at the Green Cozy Cottage Shopping Mall. A total of 75 individuals, including 42 who were rendered unconscious, were successfully rescued from the engulfed building, offering a glimmer of hope amid the tragedy.