Chawkbazar fire: Rescue operation ends as death toll rises to 70

The death toll rose to 70 in a fire that broke out at a chemical warehouse in Chawkbazar area of Old Dhaka on Wednesday night. Besides, 41 people were also injured in the tragic incident. 

The reason behind the fire could not be ascertained yet. 

The burnt bodies were kept at the Dhaka Medical College and Hospital.

Thirty-seven units of firefighters from 13 fire stations brought the fire under control on Thursday around 3 am on Thursday. 

The rescue operation was ended at 12:45 pm. The process to identify the bodies is on. The supply of electricity, gas and water was suspended temporarily, said Dhaka South City Corporation (DNCC) mayor Saeed Khokon.

The city corporation will make a list of the deceased and injured and take the measures of rehabilitation to them, he said.   

Strong action will be taken against those who are responsible for the fire, he added.  

According to the source, the fire broke out around 10:40 pm at a chemical warehouse on the ground floor of the five-storey building named Hazi Wahed Mansion. The flames then quickly spread through three other buildings nearby, including a community centre.

The fire brings back to mind the devastating fire that had broken at Nimtoli in the old town in 2010 killing 124 people and injuring 200 others.

Originated from a stove in a building housing combustible chemical depot, the fire spread to eight residential buildings and 20 shops rapidly.