Fire at Garment Factory and Chemical Warehouse in Shyalbari: 16 Dead

PNN News Desk | Dhaka:

A severe fire broke out on Tuesday at 11:30 AM at a garment factory and an adjacent chemical warehouse in Shyalbari, Mirpur, Dhaka. The death toll has risen to 16, and the Fire Service warns that casualties could increase further.

According to locals and eyewitnesses, the fire started in the wash unit on the ground floor of the four-story garment factory named Anowar Fashion. The fire then spread to an adjacent unauthorized chemical warehouse, causing explosions, and subsequently engulfed the four-story factory rapidly.

The Fire Service reported that the chemical warehouse contained bleaching powder, plastics, and hydrogen peroxide. Drone operations are underway to assess the situation, as the fire in the warehouse is still uncontrolled and extremely hazardous.

Talha Bin Jasim, a Fire Service media officer, stated that by 4:15 PM, nine bodies had been recovered from the factory. By 7:15 PM, the death toll had risen to 16.

Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury, Director of Operations & Maintenance at the Fire Service, said, “It is believed that the chemical warehouse was unauthorized. Detailed investigations will provide accurate information.”

Families of workers trapped in the factory and warehouse are in distress and deep concern. Firefighters and rescue teams are using advanced technology to control the fire and carry out rescue operations.