5.7 quake: 30 workers injured as they rush out of N’ganj factory after noticing cracks
The incident occurred at Robintex Garments, a concern of Abul Khair Group, this afternoon (22 November) when workers reported hearing loud cracking noises as plaster and floor tiles fell from the upper floors, soon after they joined work
At least 30 workers were injured in a panic-driven rush to evacuate a garment factory in Rupganj, Narayanganj, after they noticed cracks in the building following Friday's 5.7 magnitude earthquake.
The incident occurred at Robintex Garments, a concern of Abul Khair Group, this afternoon (22 November) when workers reported hearing loud cracking noises as plaster and floor tiles fell from the upper floors soon after they joined work.
Alarmed by the sounds and visible cracks, thousands of workers attempted to exit the building at once, leaving around 30 injured in the stampede-like situation.
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Brig Gen (retd) Ashraf, adviser to the company, said there had indeed been some cracks due to the earthquake, but described them as minor.
"Tile installation work was underway, and the breaking noise may have triggered panic. Someone pressed the fire alarm, and in the chaos, several workers were hurt," he said.
Dr Mehedi Hasan Jewel, an emergency unit physician at DKMC Hospital, said they treated between 25 and 30 workers. "Some were injured after falling on the stairs, while others became sick from panic. We provided primary treatment and released them," he said.
As news of the incident spread, agitated workers vandalised several vehicles on the factory premises. The factory authorities later announced a closure until further notice.
Workers reported that roughly 8,000 people are employed at Robintex, with around 4,000 in the sewing section. They claimed that cracks had appeared in the factory building after Friday's 5.7-magnitude earthquake.
Many workers refused to enter the building this morning, citing safety concerns, but said they were reportedly pressured by management to resume work around 12:30pm.
According to the workers, shortly after they entered the seven-storey building and began operating machines, workers on the sixth floor saw plaster falling and heard loud noises as several floor tiles shattered. Panic ensued, leading to the chaotic evacuation during which many were injured.
Factory officials said a team from BUET arrived around 3pm to inspect the structure. The factory will reopen only after receiving clearance, they added, announcing a verbal suspension of operations until further notice.
