Mirpur fire: Toxic fumes hinder firefighting efforts, flames yet to be doused after over 24 hours

Firefighters are still battling flames inside a seven-storey building housing a garment factory and an adjacent chemical warehouse in Dhaka's Mirpur-Shialbari area, more than 24 hours after the deadly blaze broke out yesterday (14 October).

As of 10am today (15 October), thick, toxic fumes from the burning chemicals made it nearly impossible for firefighters to enter the building and extinguish the remaining flames.

The fire, which started around 11:40am yesterday, is suspected to have originated from an illegal chemical warehouse located next to the garment factory.

The blaze quickly spread through the building, leaving at least 16 people dead, according to Fire Service and Civil Defence officials. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue.

Fire Service officials said 12 units were dispatched to the scene and managed to bring the main blaze under control after hours of effort.

However, smouldering flames and poisonous gases trapped inside the building continue to pose a severe risk.

The incident has cast a pall of fear across the area, with a tense atmosphere prevailing in Shialbari and nearby Rupnagar.

Authorities have warned residents within a 300-metre radius of the site to keep their doors and windows shut due to the hazardous chemical smoke that continues to pollute the air. Several nearby garment factories have also been instructed to close temporarily to prevent exposure.

Workers were seen leaving their workplaces early as the stench of burnt chemicals filled the air. Journalists and emergency workers operating at the site have been taking extra precautions, wearing face masks to avoid inhaling toxic fumes.