Fire guts oldest part of Bangladeshi capital, killing dozens
Fire and explosions that ripped through apartment buildings packed with illegal chemical stores killed at least 67 people in the Bangladeshi capital which was left stunned by its latest disaster. The inferno started in a building where chemicals for deodorants and other household uses were stocked amid apartments. It spread at lightning speed to four nearby blocks, the fire service said. Chemical fireballs set ablaze the clogged narrow streets even engulfing passengers on rickshaws in flames. Witnesses told of harrowing scenes as people became trapped by flames at a bridal party and in restaurants.
- World
- AP
- Published Date: 06:21 | 21 February 2019
- Modified Date: 07:38 | 21 February 2019
In the day since a devastating fire erupted in the oldest part of Bangladesh's capital, Awal Hossain has been searching for his younger brother.
Hossain stood outside the Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Thursday evening along with others holding pictures of family members missing after the blaze. Others brought relatives out of the morgue in coffins.
"The body of his acquaintance has been found, but I can't find him," Hossain said.
The fire raced through densely packed buildings in a centuries-old district of Dhaka, killing at least 67 people, officials and witnesses said Thursday.
The fire in the Chawkbazar area was mostly under control after more than 10 hours of frantic firefighting efforts. About 50 people were injured, with some critically burned.