Bangladesh: 52 people killed in Dhaka factory fire

An aerial photo show firefighters trying to extinguish a massive fire that broke out in a beverage and food factory in Narayanganj, central Bangladesh. Pic Munir Uz zaman/AFP

At least 52 people were killed and over 50 others injured in a massive fire that broke out at a six-storey juice factory outside Bangladesh's capital Dhaka, according to media reports.

The fire broke out at around 5 pm on July 8 at the Shezan juice factory in Naryanganj's Rupganj, according to fire officials. It is suspected that the fire originated from the ground floor of the building and spread quickly due to the presence of chemicals and plastic bottles. Fifty-two people have died and over 50 others were injured in the fire, the Dhaka Tribune reported.

Several workers jumped off the building to escape the devastating fire, it said. Eighteen firefighting units were struggling to douse the fire at the factory building of Hashem Foods Limited. People gathered in front of the building in search of their loved ones who are still missing. Of the many missing, the identities of 44 missing workers have been confirmed, the newspaper said.

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Rescued workers and relatives alleged that the front gate and only exit of the factory remained locked at the time of the fire. They also claimed that the building had no proper fire safety measures in place. Deputy Director of Narayanganj District Fire Service Abdullah Al Arefin said it will take some time to fully control the fire.
"Until the fire is doused, it is not possible to say exactly how much damage has occurred and the cause of the fire," he added. A five-member probe committee has been formed by the district administration to look into the incident.

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