At least nine people have died in a devastating fire that broke out at a printing factory and chemical warehouse in the Shialbari area of Rupnagar, Mirpur, Dhaka. The information was confirmed by Talha Bin Jasim, acting officer of the Fire Service Headquarters Media Cell, on Tuesday (October 14). He said the bodies will be handed over to the police for further legal procedures.
According to the Fire Service, the blaze was reported around 11:40 a.m. Initially, five units rushed to the scene, later joined by several others—bringing the total to 11 units working to control the fire. As of 4:00 p.m., the flames were yet to be fully brought under control.
Officials fear the death toll may rise further as rescue operations continue. The cause of the fire and the extent of the damage have not yet been determined.
Meanwhile, three injured workers have been admitted to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. The injured are identified as Md. Sohel Sardar (37), Md. Mamun (35), and Md. Suruzzaman.
Resident physician Dr. Shawon Bin Rahman said none of them are in critical condition — Suruzzaman sustained 2 percent burns, while the other two suffered from smoke inhalation and are receiving primary treatment in the emergency department.
A Fire Service investigation team has already begun working to determine the origin and cause of the blaze and assess property damage.