Health Minister Samanta Lal Sen told reporters that at least 43 people have died as a result of the horrific fire that started overnight at a restaurant on Bailey Road, and 22 more are receiving treatment for burn injuries at two large medical facilities.
“Thirty-three of the deceased died at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and 10 at (nearby) Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery,” he told reporters at a briefing at around 2 in the morning.
The minister, a medical professional with expertise in treating burn wounds, reported that 22 patients were receiving care at both locations.
He continued by saying that each of the 22 individuals’ circumstances is dire. Some of the bodies were so badly charred that medical professionals at the DMCH and the nearby hospital worried that the number of fatalities would increase.
Around 75 individuals, including 42 who were unconscious, were rescued from the scene, which consisted of a seven-story building, according to fire department officials. Around 9:50 p.m., a fire started in the “Kachchi Bhai” restaurant on the first floor (US: second floor).
It swiftly moved upstairs, where a few additional restaurants and a store selling ready-made clothing were located.
Witnesses and officials reported that as firefighters used ladders to rescue a large number of people, the terrified individuals attempted to flee upstairs, hoping to be pursued by the fire as well.
