Fire ravages Keraniganj gas lighter factory, 5 bodies recovered
Rescue operations were ongoing to search for any additional victims.
At least five bodies have been recovered after a fire broke out at a tin-shed gas lighter manufacturing factory in the Kadamtali intersection area of Keraniganj today (4 April).
The identities of the deceased could not be confirmed immediately, while rescue operations were ongoing to search for any additional victims.
Fire Service and Civil Defence Media Officer Talha Bin Zasim confirmed the deaths.
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Meanwhile, two workers injured in the fire have been admitted to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. They were identified as Md Asif, 14, and Md Jisan, 22.
According to officials, the Fire Service received information about the blaze at 1:11pm, and the first unit reached the scene by 1:16pm to begin rescue and firefighting efforts.
A total of seven firefighting units brought the blaze under control at around 2:30pm, said another Fire Service Media Officer, Anwarul Islam.
According to local sources, the factory typically employs around 40-45 workers. However, as it is the period just after Eid-ul-Fitr, only 17-18 workers were on duty. Among them, three had started work on the very day of the incident.
Fire Service officials said the blaze quickly turned severe due to the presence of flammable materials.
The Fire Service has formed a five-member investigation committee over the incident, with the director (operations and maintenance) appointed as its head.
The committee has been instructed to submit its report within seven working days, officials said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressed deep shock and sorrow over the casualties in the fire.
PM's Press Secretary Saleh Shibly told BSS that Tarique talked to Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain about the incident and directed him to ensure proper treatment for the injured.
Shibly said Tarique also spoke to local lawmaker Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Dhaka district, Superintendent of Police (SP) and Director General of the Fire Service and Civil Defence over the incident.
While talking with them over the phone, the premier instructed to form separate probe bodies to investigate the incident and bring the responsible persons to justice.
Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain said each family of those killed in the fire will receive Tk2 lakh.
He made the announcement after visiting the spot around 7:30pm.
He also said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has taken responsibility for the families of those killed and injured in the fire.
