Ashulia factory fire: Death toll rises to 8

The death toll from a fire at a readymade garment factory in Jamgara, Ashulia, has risen to eight after another victim died of his injuries last night (20 September).

The victim, a vegetable vendor whose identity could not immediately be confirmed, succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, said Shahabuddin, senior station officer of Zirabo Fire Service.

The fire broke out at the F&F factory of Preeti Group in the Jamgara Chowrasta area at around 6:45pm yesterday.

According to the Fire Service, the fire was triggered when a gas cylinder exploded while it was being unloaded from a covered van.

Four firefighting units rushed to the scene and brought the blaze under control at around 3:30am.

Shahabuddin said firefighters faced difficulties reaching the factory due to severe traffic congestion and poor road conditions, with construction work for the Ashulia Elevated Expressway underway in the area.

Litton Mia, a lineman at a nearby garment factory and a witness to the incident, said the fire spread through the factory following a loud explosion of a gas cylinder.

The authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire.