Dhaka [Bangladesh], March 1: The fire at a 6-story building in Bangladesh is believed to have started in a restaurant, possibly due to a gas leak or stove.
Reuters reported on March 1 that a large fire spread in a 6-story commercial building in the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, killing at least 43 people and injuring dozens.
Firefighters said the fire started in a restaurant and quickly spread to other floors. The incident happened at around 9:50 p.m. on February 29 (local time).
After visiting victims at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh Health Minister Samanta Lal Sen said at least 43 people had died and 22 others were treated for burns. All 22 people hospitalized were seriously burned and in critical condition, according to Mr. Sen.
Fire department officials said it is unclear what caused the fire , but the fire was controlled after 2 hours of effort by 13 fire units.
Surviving witness Mohammad Altaf recalled that he was lucky to escape through a broken window, but two colleagues did not survive.
"When the fire broke out in front and broke the glass, our cashier and waiter got everyone out. But then they both died. I went into the kitchen, broke the window and jumped out to save himself," according to Mr. Altaf.
Firefighters had to use a crane to get people out of the burning building. Director of the Bangladesh Fire and Civil Defense Department , Brigadier General Main Uddin, said the fire could have originated from a gas leak or a stove.
"It is a dangerous building with gas cylinders on every floor, even on the stairs," he informed the press.
According to AFP, 75 people were rescued from the building. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the incident.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
