At least 16 people were killed in a massive fire that engulfed a garment factory and a chemical warehouse in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, on Tuesday.
Initial reports earlier stated that nine people had died, with several others critically injured in the blaze.
The two buildings, located adjacent to each other, are situated opposite the Bangladesh University of Business and Technology.
According to Talha Jashim, Media Officer at the Dhaka Fire Service Headquarters, 12 of the victims’ bodies were sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery for further examination.
“Twelve bodies have been sent to the hospital and the national burn institute,” Talha confirmed to reporters.
About 12 fire engines were deployed to the scene after the fire broke out around 11:40 a.m. local time.
Authorities said the blaze originated on the third floor of the seven-storey garment factory and was mostly brought under control. However, firefighters were still battling to contain the fire at the nearby chemical warehouse, which stored hazardous materials such as bleaching powder, plastic, and hydrogen peroxide.
Another firefighter, who declined to be named, warned that the death toll could rise further as rescue operations continue.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
