Bangladesh port depot fire kills 49, injures 400

At least 49 people were killed and more than 400 others are said to be injured in a massive fire at a container depot near a port city in southeastern Bangladesh.

According to police officer Nurul Alam, posted at Chittagong Medical College Hospital’s police outpost, preliminary probe has indicated that the fire broke out due to chemical reaction.

Local media reported that the fire spread following an explosion.

The police officer said that while the fire broke out around 9 pm and the explosion occurred around midnight. Following the blast, the fire spread rapidly.

Istakul Islam, chief of Health and Service Department at Red Crescent Youth Chittagong, said, “Over 400 people have been injured in this incident. The death count could be more,” he said.

Chittagong Fire Service and Civil Defense Assistant Director Md Faruk Hossain Sikdar said: “Around 19 firefighting units are working to douse the fire and six ambulances are also available on the spot.”