Death toll from Ashulia factory fire rises to 9

The death toll from a fire reportedly caused by a gas cylinder explosion at the premises of Pretty Composite Textile Limited, a concern of Pretty Group, in Ashulia's Jamgora, has risen to nine.

Dr Harunur Rashid, resident medical officer of the burn unit at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), confirmed that a patient named Nur Islam, 40, died at 8:45am today (22 September).

"He had suffered burns to 95% of his body and suspected inhalation injury," he added.

Earlier yesterday, the doctor said three patients were brought to DMCH from Ashulia Women and Children Hospital after the explosion, and two were declared dead by doctors on duty. "Their identities could not immediately be confirmed."

Eight people were killed and 35 others injured when a fire broke out in front of Pretty Composite factory in Jamgara of Ashulia around 6:45pm on Sunday (20 September). The fire was brought under control at around 8:03pm, according to the Fire Service.

Committee formed to probe Ashuilia fire

Firefighters initially suspected that the fire broke out after gas cylinders exploded inside a specialised lorry parked in front of the Pretty Group garment factory. Five to six covered vans belonging to the company were also damaged in the fire.

However, Ashulia Women and Children Hospital initially reported receiving 25 injured people following the incident.

According to Selim, sub-inspector and in-charge of the DMCH police outpost, fire Service personnel recovered the bodies of six people from the scene. Three critically injured people were referred to DMCH following the incident. Two of them died on the way,

The three patients referred from the Women and Children Hospital to DMCH were Sujon Mia, 35, Nazrul Islam, 35, and Nur Islam, 40.

However, TBS could not independently verify whether Sujon Mia and Nazrul Islam were the two people declared dead at DMCH.

Meanwhile, a four-member committee has been formed to investigate the fire.