2010 Dhaka Fire
Cause
The fire was started when an electrical transformer exploded. The head of the fire department speculated that the fire was fanned by perfumes, chemicals and other flammable products stored in nearby shops. The density of the residential area affected made it difficult for firefighters to quell the blaze. Also, the narrow lanes of Old Dhaka and staircases of old buildings made it challenging for fire service equipment to reach the site.
Casualties
The fire affected multiple residential buildings in the Nimtoli area, and trapped residents inside apartments. The fire started at 10.30 pm and lasted for over three hours. At least 117 people were killed and over 100 injured by the fire. The fire affected a wedding party, which exacerbated the casualties. One of the buildings affected by the fire had no fire escapes and its windows were covered by metal bars.
The injured were treated at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital, which struggled to cope with the large number of patients suffering burns and smoke inhalation. According to a doctor at the hospital, most of the deaths appeared to have been caused by smoke inhalation rather than burns.
Rescue operations ceased on 4 June 2010.
Reactions
Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister, ordered an investigation into the fire. She also offered condolences to the victims and their families. The government announced that 5 June 2010 would be a day of mourning. The Bangladesh cricket team, who took the field the day after the fire during their tour of England, wore black armbands in remembrance.
Financial assistance
Mirza Ali Behrouze Ispahany the chairman of M.M. Ispahani came up with financial assistance for the victims.
See also
References
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- ^ "Bangladeshi housing-block fire kills dozens". BBC News. 3 June 2010. Retrieved 3 June 2010.
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- ^ Dummett, Mark (4 June 2010). "Dhaka: City of construction death traps". BBC News. Retrieved 4 June 2010.
- ^ "Midnight-fire kills at least 77 in Bangladesh capital". The Times of India. 4 June 2010. Retrieved 3 June 2010.
- ^ Burke, Jason (4 June 2010). "Dhaka fire kills up to 150 in Bangladesh". The Guardian. Retrieved 4 June 2010.
- ^ Watts, Alex (4 June 2010). "At Least 100 Dead in Bangladesh Fire". Sky News. Archived from the original on 6 June 2010. Retrieved 4 June 2010.
- ^ "114 killed in Bangladesh fire". RTÉ News. 4 June 2010. Retrieved 4 June 2010.
- ^ "Behrouze Ispahani dead | FIRST PAGE | The financial express". Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved 28 January 2017.