Dhaka: fire at shopping centre, dozens dead

The flames spread from a crowded restaurant: at least 44 people were killed. The fire brigade also rescued many people who had lost consciousness due to smoke that had spread through the seven-storey building.

Dhaka (AsiaNews) - At least 44 people died in a fire that broke out in the Green Cozy Cottage shopping center on Bailey Road, in Dhaka. The fire occurred last night around 10.30pm. Firefighters believe the fire started from the Katchi Bhai restaurant and quickly spread to the other floors of the building, creating a terrible situation. Hundreds of people in the restaurant began fleeing in fear, resulting in chaotic scenes with shouts of "bachao bachao" (save us, save us). Many people, including those who were there to celebrate their leap year wedding anniversaries, were trapped inside the building, which housed several restaurants.

The firefighters intervened promptly, deploying 13 units for the extinguishing operations. However, they encountered difficulties due to the large crowd of people at the scene.

As news of the fire spread, relatives of those trapped inside gathered outside the building, anxiously awaiting information on their loved ones. Heartbreaking scenes were seen, as many individuals cried and searched for their missing relatives.

Health Minister Samant Lal Sen confirmed that 44 people, mostly women and children, lost their lives in the accident. He further stated that eight people with serious injuries were transported to the Burns Institute, while 14 others were admitted to Dhaka Medical; all were declared in critical condition.

The seven-story building where the fire broke out housed several shops and restaurants. Eyewitnesses reported that the fire started on the lower floors and quickly spread upwards. Fire brigade personnel, aided by cranes, evacuated the people who had taken refuge on the upper floors and on the roof of the building.

Even when the fire was brought under control, smoke continued to persist inside the building. Rescuers recovered numerous unconscious people after careful searches. The Director General of the Fire Brigade, Brigadier General Main Uddin reported that 45 unconscious people, including 21 women and 4 children, were rescued. Another 75 people, including 15 women, were rescued alive.

• Bangladesh
• Dhaka
• fire