The death toll in the fire at a private container depot in south-eastern Bangladesh increased to 43 on Sunday even as firefighting efforts continued at the site.
On Saturday night, a fire broke out at the BM Container Depot in the Kadamrasul area in Sitakunda Upazila in Chittagong following an explosion. The Daily Star reported on Sunday afternoon that the fire was yet to come under control at the depot even after 17 hours of firefighting and explosions could be heard from the depot.
Quoting Director General of Fire Service and Civil Defence Brigadier General M.M. Uddin, The Daily Star reported a 14-member special team had been sent to help douse the fire. He told the publication that the fire was not completely under control, but it was not spreading The Inter-Services Public Relations stated that about 250 Bangladesh Army personnel were also involved in the rescue operation.
The Dhaka Tribune reported that over 450 persons suffered injuries in the incident and five firefighters succumbed in the line of duty. Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH) Police Outpost Sub-Inspector (SI) Nurul Alam said a fire broke out at the container depot around 9pm and as fire service units worked to put it out, there was an explosion and then the fire spread, the Dhaka Tribune reported.
The Bangladesh government announced compensation of Tk 50,000 to families of the deceased and Tk 20,000 for injured persons.