The fire reportedly started at around 9 p.m., and the explosion occurred at midnight. The flames quickly spread after the explosion.
Digital Desk: At least 35 people were killed and several
injured after a huge fire broke out at a depot in Bangladesh's Chittagong.
According to reports, the fire that broke out yesterday
at the depot in the Sitakunda area has left about 450 people injured, and
authorities fear the death count may climb.
According to news agency PTI, a police officer stationed
at the state-run Chattagram Medical College Hospital (CMCH) said, "So far,
35 dead bodies have entered the mortuary here."
Police officer Nurul Alam, who is stationed at the
Chittagong Medical College Hospital's police outpost, informed that the fire
started due to a chemical reaction.
Reports further claimed that an explosion caused the fire
to spread.
The fire reportedly started at around 9 p.m., and the
explosion occurred at midnight. The flames quickly spread after the explosion.
Istakul Islam, the chief of the Red Crescent Youth
Chittagong's Health and Service Department, said, "This incident has resulted
in the injuries of over 450 persons. Unfortunately, the death toll may
rise."
Reports further claimed that the explosion was so
powerful that it shattered window panes in surrounding residences.
"Around 19 firefighting units are working to douse the
fire, and around six ambulances are also available on the location."
Chittagong Fire Service and Civil Defense Assistant Director Md Faruk Hossain
Sikdar said.
It may be mentioned that the container depot has been
operating since May 2011.
