Devastating Apparel Factory Inferno in the South Asian nation Claims at Least 16 Victims
At least 16 individuals have perished after a massive fire broke out at a clothing factory in Bangladesh, with authorities warning that the death toll could increase.
Sixteen bodies have been found but were burned unrecognizable, the fire service stated.
Distraught relatives assembled outside the multi-story factory in Mirpur, Dhaka on Tuesday in search of their dear ones still missing.
The fire, which broke out at the factory around lunchtime, was brought under control after several hours. But an neighboring chemical warehouse remained ablaze, authorities reported.
Up until 21:00 local time (15:00 GMT) that day, the fire at the chemical warehouse had not been completely doused, news sources reported.
Emergency responders have not ascertained which of the two buildings was the origin point.
According to bystanders, the chemical warehouse stored chemical bleaching agents, plastic and industrial peroxide, all of which can intensify fires. Plastic also releases hazardous smoke when burned.
Law enforcement and armed forces are still trying to locate the proprietors of the factory and the warehouse, fire service director the fire service official briefed journalists.
An inquiry on whether the warehouse was running according to regulations is also in progress, he added.
Weeping family members stood outside the fire-damaged buildings, many of them holding photographs of their lost relatives.
Included in the crowd is a man searching desperately for his daughter, his loved one.
"When I heard about the fire, I hurried to the scene. But I still haven't found her... I just want my loved one back," he expressed to journalists.
The devastating event has another time underscored the hazardous conditions facing Bangladesh's apparel manufacturing, which employs numerous of workers and is a crucial source of economic income for the country.