Fire destroys 6 houses in Ctg, 3 injured

A devastating fire in Chattogram's Karnaphuli upazila reduced six houses to ashes and left three people, including an elderly woman, with burn injuries in the early hours of today (18 April).

The fire broke out around 3am at the house of Maulana Hashem in Shah Ohidia Para of Shikalbaha Ward No-4, according to fire service officials.

The injured were identified as Md Ibrahim (50), Md Shafik (47), and their mother, Laila Begum (70).

While Laila Begum returned home after receiving primary treatment, her two sons are currently undergoing treatment at Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH).

The six semi-pucca houses destroyed in the blaze belonged to Md Ibrahim, Md Shafik, Md Ishaq, Md Shukkur, Mona Mia, and Kalam.

Senior Station Officer of Karnaphuli Fire Service Md Saiduzzaman confirmed the incident, saying, "We managed to bring the fire under control after nearly two hours of effort. It originated from an electrical short circuit."

He added that the estimated losses amount to approximately Tk36 lakh, including the loss of cash that was burnt in the fire.

"The narrow roads in the area made it difficult to reach the site even with our smaller vehicles," he further said.

Fire officials said the quick spread of the flames was due to the congested layout of the houses and lack of accessible entry routes.