Toxic fumes from Mirpur chemical warehouse pose severe health risks

Thick, acrid smoke continues to billow from the site of a devastating fire that broke out in a chemical warehouse and garment factory in Shialbari, Mirpur, spreading toxic fumes across the area and posing grave risks to public health.

More than 30 hours after the blaze erupted, firefighters are still struggling to bring the situation fully under control. The fire, which began around 11:40 a.m. on Tuesday in a building housing Cosmic Pharma’s chemical godown and a garment factory, has already claimed at least 16 lives, with fears that more victims could be found once the smoke clears.

Toxic fumes spreading across Mirpur

Fire Service Dhaka Division Assistant Director Kazi Nazmuzzaman, briefing reporters at the scene on Wednesday afternoon, said the fumes have produced highly toxic gases, including chlorine, which have now mixed with the surrounding air.

“These gases are dangerous for human health. Continuous exposure can cause breathing difficulties, lung and heart complications, and severe skin irritation,” he warned. “The situation is especially risky in this densely populated residential area.”

Residents living near Shialbari have reported burning eyes, coughing, and shortness of breath, as the thick smoke continues to hang in the air. Health experts have urged people to stay indoors, keep windows closed, and cover their noses and mouths with wet cloths when outside.

Firefighters struggle amid chemical hazards

Assistant Director Nazmuzzaman said the firefighting operation is proving unusually difficult due to the volatile chemical substances stored in the warehouse. “When chemicals are not stored according to safety protocols, they can react with one another, producing explosive heat or poisonous fumes,” he said. “That’s why the fire is taking so long to control.”

He confirmed that a team of experts from BUET (Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology) is expected to arrive later in the day to assess the situation and advise on the safest way to extinguish the remaining chemical flames.

“The garment section has been brought under control, but inside the godown there’s still a lot of white, suffocating smoke. We cannot enter without protective gear,” Nazmuzzaman said.

Tragedy in the garment floors

The 16 victims recovered so far were all found on the second and third floors of the garment factory. Officials said the workers became trapped when the fire spread rapidly from the ground-floor chemical warehouse.

“The flames engulfed the lower floors, and the door to the roof was locked with two padlocks. Many workers had no way out,” said one firefighter involved in the rescue. “They tried to escape upstairs but were overwhelmed by the heat and smoke.”

The bodies, many severely burnt, have been sent to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital morgue for identification.

Owner still untraceable

When asked whether the fire service had been able to contact the owner of the chemical warehouse, Nazmuzzaman said, “We have not yet found the owner. He has not contacted us.”

Locals alleged that the godown had long been storing large quantities of industrial chemicals without proper safety clearance. “We complained before about the smell and smoke from the factory, but no one took it seriously,” said a resident of the area.

Air pollution fears and long-term risks

Environmental experts warn that the toxic plume may have longer-term impacts on air quality and soil contamination in the neighbourhood. The Department of Environment (DoE) has reportedly been informed and may conduct air and water quality tests once the fire is contained.

Medical professionals at Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital said people exposed to the smoke may suffer from respiratory distress, skin burns, headaches, and nausea. They advised residents showing symptoms to seek medical help immediately.

Ongoing operation

Firefighters remain stationed around the site, spraying water and foam to cool down hotspots and prevent further explosions. “The situation is delicate. We are proceeding cautiously,” said Nazmuzzaman.

As the sun set over Mirpur on Wednesday evening, the smoke still hung thick in the air — a grim reminder of Dhaka’s recurring industrial safety failures and the human cost of negligence.