Cox’s Bazar resort fire kills 10; building lacked basic safety measures

At least 10 people were killed and six injured in a fire at Tuptup Resort in Cox’s Bazar’s Inani area yesterday (17 October), exposing serious fire safety failures despite a warning from the Fire Service and Civil Defence months earlier.

The two-storey wooden resort in Patuartek, along Marine Drive, lacked a fire safety licence, portable extinguishers, fire alarms and a fire safety plan, officials said.

Fire Service and Civil Defence Director General Brig Gen Sultanul Afreen Zunaid said the resort was inspected in June and warned about fire risks, but continued operating without the required licence.

Deputy Director of the Fire Service’s Chattogram division Toufiqul Islam Bhuiyan said strong sea winds helped the flames spread rapidly through the building.

Firefighters fought for hours to control blaze

The fire broke out around 7am. The Fire Service received information at 7:25am, and three units reached the scene around 8am. The blaze was brought under control around 10am and fully extinguished by 11am.

Rescuers recovered 10 bodies, including four people found inside two toilets on the second floor. Authorities feared further casualties as rescue operations continued.

Six injured people were taken to Cox’s Bazar 250-Bed District Sadar Hospital. Resident Medical Officer Sabuqtagin Mahmud Sohel said five had burns covering around 5% of their bodies and were admitted, while another person injured in a fall was treated and discharged.

Seven victims were identified: Israt Jahan Maliha, 30, and Milita Mehejabin Alvi, 23, from Banasree, Dhaka; Laila Jahan Nabila, 27, and Nafista Mim, 27, from Khilgaon, Dhaka; Fariha Kabi, 33, and Faizan Ahmed, 5, from Chuadanga; and Nasrin Akter Mukta, 28, from Ashulia.

Police detain manager; investigation committee formed

Police detained resort manager Mohammad Suman for questioning, said Ukhiya Police Station Officer-in-Charge Atikur Rahman Majumder.

The cause behind the fire remains unknown. Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner A Mannan said the kitchen stove was initially suspected, but this could not be confirmed yet. A five-member committee has been formed to investigate the fire.

Residents, police, the Coast Guard and Border Guard Bangladesh assisted the rescue and firefighting efforts.

The Fire Service plans to issue fire-risk notices to establishments after discussions with relevant authorities and tourism-sector representatives.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat directed the Bangladesh Tourism Board to assess the damage, assist affected tourists and convene an emergency meeting with local administration, law enforcement and tourism-sector stakeholders to review safety arrangements. 

He also called for fire prevention and emergency-response training for tourism-sector employees in collaboration with the Fire Service.