A massive fire at a chemical warehouse and garment factory in Rupnagar, Mirpur has left 13 people missing and 16 confirmed dead. Rescue operations are ongoing, but the Fire Service warns the blaze could reignite due to chemicals. Authorities are investigating the cause and nature of explosions, with a BUET team set to conduct chemical tests.
Thirteen Still Missing After Devastating Fire in Mirpur Chemical Warehouse and Garment Factory
Thirteen people remain missing following a major fire at a chemical warehouse and garment factory in Rupnagar, Mirpur. While rescue operations continue, the Fire Service has warned that the blaze could flare up again at any time due to the presence of chemicals on-site.
The fire erupted on Tuesday (October 14) around 11:45 a.m. at the chemical warehouse in Rupnagar. Within moments, 10 to 15 explosions occurred, spreading the flames to the neighboring garment factory. So far, 16 garment workers have been confirmed dead.
In the aftermath, local residents and BUET students joined in the rescue efforts. Initially, five Fire Service units arrived to tackle the fire, with a total of 12 units gradually joining the operation. Members of the Army, BGB, Police, and BNCC also assisted in the rescue work. The fire was brought under control after nearly five hours.
The Fire Service stated that the cause of the fire in the chemical warehouse remains unknown, and the warehouse owner has gone into hiding since the incident.
After inspecting the scene, Fire Service Director General Brigadier General Muhammad Zahed Kamal noted that although the fire is under control, it cannot yet be declared fully extinguished and may reignite at any moment.
He added that a team from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) will conduct chemical tests at the site to determine the origin of the fire and the nature of the explosions.