The death toll from a garment factory fire in Bangladesh has risen to 16, according to fire officials. The incident occurred at a garment factory and chemical warehouse in Rupnagar, Dhaka, where the blaze broke out on Tuesday. “We have found 16 bodies so far. Most of them have been recovered,” stated Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury, Director of Fire Service (Operations and Maintenance), reports 24brussels.

Emergency response teams deployed 12 units of the fire service to extinguish the blaze and successfully bring the fire under control in the garment section. “We are using unmanned technology, including drones, in chemical section fire control and rescue operations,” Chowdhury added. Initial reports indicated that most victims succumbed to toxic gas inhalation, and DNA tests will be conducted to identify the deceased.

The garment industry is a critical sector for Bangladesh, representing significant exports and employment opportunities. The death toll previously stood at nine, with several individuals suffering burn injuries. Chowdhury highlighted that the bodies were recovered from the second floor of the facility.

In a statement, the Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence detailed the timeline of the response: firefighters arrived at the scene shortly after receiving reports of the fire at 11:40 AM, with operations commencing shortly thereafter. While further information regarding the cause of the fire and identities of the victims remains unclear, the fire service emphasized the ongoing nature of search and rescue operations. The Dhaka Tribune reported that seven firefighting units rushed to the site, where efforts to control the situation were in full swing.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent risks associated with industrial operations in Bangladesh, where safety regulations often come under scrutiny. As the investigation into the cause of the fire begins, calls for enhanced safety measures within the garment sector are expected to intensify.