Death toll rises to 16 as fire at Mirpur garment factory, chemical warehouse rage on

Three people severely burnt in the incident have been admitted to the burn institute, says a resident surgeon

The death toll from a fire at a garment factory and chemical warehouse in Rupnagar, Mirpur, Dhaka, has risen to 16.

Speaking at the scene around 7:15pm on Tuesday, Fire Service Director Lt Col Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury said the identities of the victims have not yet been confirmed.

Even after seven and a half hours, the flames in the chemical warehouse have yet to be doused.

Three people severely burnt in the incident have been admitted to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, said Resident Surgeon Dr Shawon Bin Rahman.

The Fire Service received reports of the fire around 11:45am at a chemical warehouse, operated by Shah Alam Chemicals at Shialbari, and the adjacent garment factory.

Eventually, 12 firefighting units were deployed to combat the blaze. While the garment factory fire was brought under control, the flames continued charring the chemical warehouse into the evening.

Initially, the warehouse was identified as Cosmic Pharma, though later, the board signage read “Shah Alam Chemicals”.

Locals also referred to it as “Alam Traders”.

The Fire Service could not confirm if multiple garment factories were involved.

Tajul said, “The search operation in the garment section is complete. We recovered 16 bodies from the second and third floors. The remains have been sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.”

He added, “The bodies are so badly burned that identification seems impossible. DNA testing may be the only option.”

Based on preliminary investigation, he said: “The four-storey garment factory had a tin roof with a grilled door leading to it, which was locked. The workers could not reach the upper level. The chemical explosion and resulting flashover released toxic gas, causing them to lose consciousness and preventing escape either upwards or downwards.”

Authorities fear more casualties.

“Neither the garment factory nor the chemical warehouse had approval or any fire safety plan,” he said.

Earlier, Tajul said firefighters found flames in both facilities simultaneously. It remains unclear whether it originated in the warehouse or the garment factory.

“The operation is ongoing. Full details will be available once it is complete,” he said.

The warehouse is extremely hazardous, and firefighters are barred from entering. Drones and other technologies are being used to monitor the blaze. Law-enforcing officers have been requested to maintain at least a 300-yard distance.

When asked about contacting the factory, Tajul said: “From what we know, it is Alam Chemical Factory. However, neither the owner nor any staff or manager can be reached.

“Police and the Army are trying, but no one is available.”