2 killed in Ctg high-rise building fire

At least two people were killed, and another was injured in a fire that broke out at a high-rise building in Teribazar commercial area of Chittagong on Thursday morning. 

The blaze erupted at KB Orchid Plaza, a 10-story mixed-use building, causing widespread panic in one of Chattogram’s most crowded business hubs.

The deceased were identified as Mohammad Yunus, 52, son of Mohammad Yasin Khalifa from Patiya, and Solaiman, son of Mamunul Kader from Boalkhali. 

Mohammad Mamun, 28, was rescued with injuries and is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.

According to locals, the fire reportedly originated in a tailoring shop located on the fourth floor of the building around 9:30 am. The flames escalated rapidly to the fifth and sixth floors, threatening jewelry shops, bank branches, and residential apartments housed within the plaza.

Confirming the matter, Fire Service Duty Officer Rafial Faruk said that a team of firefighters rushed to the scene minutes after receiving the news of fire at 9:55 am and brought it under control around 10:53 am. 

Several individuals were rescued from the spot and took them to Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH) where the attending doctors declared them dead, he added.

Preliminary investigations suggest an electrical short circuit triggered the fire. 

Witnesses noted that the area had been without electricity since Sehri, and the fire ignited almost immediately after power was restored at 9:30 am.

The Teribazar Merchants' Association reported significant financial damage, noting that the tailoring shop where the fire began was holding between Tk 8 lakh and 10 lakh in cash, intended for staff salaries and Eid bonuses.