Fire kills 2, guts 500 shelters in Ukhiya Rohingya camp
A massive fire at the Kutupalong Rohingya camp in Ukhiya, Cox's Bazar, has claimed two lives and destroyed over 500 shelters and various other structures.
The incident occurred around 12:45pm today (24 December) in Block D of Lambashia 1-West Rohingya Camp in the Kutupalong area, confirmed Ukhiya police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Arif Hossain to The Business Standard.
After a two-hour effort, eight fire service units, alongside local volunteers, managed to bring the fire under control around 2:45pm, confirmed Md Tanharul Islam, deputy director of the Cox's Bazar Fire Service and Civil Defence Station.
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"Two charred bodies have been recovered from the fire incident. Additionally, over 500 shelters and various other structures were completely burned. The exact extent of the damages will be determined after the investigation is completed," he said.
Although the recovery of the two deceased victims was confirmed, their identities have not yet been established, he added.
Tanharul said an investigation is underway to find out the exact cause of the fire.
Earlier, citing locals, police said it might have been triggered by an electrical short circuit or a gas cylinder used for cooking.
