DHAKA, Bangladesh – Not less than 78 people are reported to have been killed in a ferocious fire that razed areas in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh.
The fire, according to officials broke out at 23:40 local time on Wednesday night in a residential building, where flammable material including chemicals were stored.
The large number of deaths are been attributed to the configuration of the Chawkbazar district, known for having buildings too close to each other making it very difficult for fire fighters to meander through to get to areas afflicted by fire.
Police Chief, Javeb Patowary identified flammable materials in the building to include gas cylinders.
Some of the injured are said to be in critical condition, with death toll expected to rise. Fire fighters reportedly fought for more than five hours to put out the blaze after forcing their way through the narrow ally.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed shock over the tragedy and conveyed condolences to families affected.