Death toll rises to six in Keraniganj factory fire

The death toll from a fire at a gas lighter manufacturing facility in Keraniganj has risen to six after rescuers recovered one more body on Saturday night.

The fire broke out at around 1:10 pm at a tin-shed factory in the Kadamtali Golchattar area, a densely populated industrial zone. 

According to witnesses, the flames spread rapidly through the facility, likely intensified by flammable materials stored inside. Seven firefighting units from the Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence were deployed to the scene and brought the blaze under control after more than an hour of effortaround 2:30 pm.

Confirming the matter, Fire Service control room official Anwarul Islam said that six bodies were recovered from the site. 

The victims were burned beyond recognition, and their identities and genders have yet to be determined, he said, adding that rescue teams continued search operations after the fire was extinguished, combing through the debris for possible additional victims.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, and an investigation is underway.

KR/MHK