Photo: Collected
A devastating fire broke out at the Gazi Tyre Factory in Rupganj, Narayanganj, with reports suggesting that over 150 people are missing. According to factory officials, the missing individuals are not factory workers. It is believed they may have been there for looting or other purposes.
Since noon on Monday, August 26th, the relatives of the missing people have been gathering outside the charred factory. In response, the Fire Service has begun compiling a list of those unaccounted for. By 3 PM, 173 individuals were reported missing.
The fire was first reported at 10:35 PM when locals alerted the authorities. Fire Service units from Dhaka Fulbaria, Demra, Kanchpur, Adamjee EPZ, and Kanchan were dispatched, totaling 12 units. Relatives and locals claim that 173 people are trapped inside the building, and the area is filled with the cries of families searching for their loved ones.
The Narayanganj Industrial Police are also on the scene, working alongside the Fire Service.
Locals suggest that since the arrest of former minister and Gazi Group Chairman Golam Dastagir Gazi, looting has been rampant in the factory. It is claimed that several individuals became trapped while attempting to loot during the fire.
Rezaul Karim, Director of Fulbaria Fire Service (Training), stated that 12 units are working to control the fire. Due to the building's infrastructure and the presence of highly flammable materials used in tyre production, extinguishing the fire has become increasingly challenging. There is still no estimate on how long it will take to bring the fire under control.
The cause of the fire and the extent of the damage remain unknown at this time. The Fire Service has indicated that these details will only be clear once the fire is completely extinguished.
Messenger/Shahed
