One dead, 32 burnt in Keraniganj factory fire

UNB, Keraniganj

A worker was killed and at least 32 others suffered burn injuries as a fire broke out at a plastic factory at Hijaltola in Dakkhin Keraniganj yesterday. Victims said the fire broke out at the factory, which produces onetime plastic glasses and cups, around 4:30pm after a gas cylinder went off with a big bang. On information, 12 firefighting units rushed in and doused the fire around 5:45pm, said Ershad Hossain, a Fire Service & Civil Defence duty officer.

Firefighters recovered the charred body of the dead worker from the factory, said Saiful Islam of Keraniganj Fire Service. He also said two workers remained missing. The injured were taken to the burn unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

Visiting the burn unit, Health Services Division Secretary Md Asadul Islam said most of the victims sustained more than 50 per cent burns. “A board will be formed Thursday to ensure their proper treatment,” he said. Factory worker Babul claimed that at least four workers got trapped inside the factory.

3 bikes torched in HC area

Staff Reporter, Dhaka

Some unidentified miscreants yesterday torched three motorcycles on the High Court Street in the capital. The places where the motorcycles were set ablaze included the south-east corner of the National Eidgah, front side of the Eidgah main gate and front side of the Bar Council.

The motorcycles were set ablaze around 4:40pm, Abul Hasan, officer-in-charge of Shahbagh police station told The Independent. “One person was detained in connection with the incident,” he said. Earlier on information, three fire-fighting units rushed to the spot and doused the blaze.