10 Killed, Several Injured in Fire at Bangladesh Beach Resort

A massive fire broke out at a beach resort in Cox’s Bazar district in southeastern Bangladesh on Saturday morning, killing 10 people and injuring several others. The fire started at around 6:30 am at the Tuptup Resto and Resort in the Inani area. Fire department spokesperson Talha Bin Jasim confirmed the deaths at around 1:30 pm.

The three-storey resort was built mainly of bamboo and wood. The entire building was gutted in the fire. Syed Mohammad Morshed Hossain, Deputy Assistant Director of the Cox’s Bazar Fire Department, said the blaze destroyed the entire structure. The resort is located near the entrance to the coastal town, around 29 kilometres from Kolatoli.

According to the information available, around 30 people were inside the resort when the fire broke out. Four to five people managed to escape, while the whereabouts and condition of the remaining occupants were not immediately clear. An official investigation is needed to establish the circumstances of those affected.

Six Family Members Among Those Reported Dead

According to local media reports, the deceased include Israt Jahan Maliha, 30; Milita Mahjabeen Alvi, 23; Laila Jahan Nabila, 27; Nafista Mim, 27; Fariha Kabir, 33; and five-year-old Faizan Ahmed. They were reportedly members of the same family.

Ashiqul Islam, a member of the family, saved his life by jumping from the second floor. However, his wife and five other family members died, according to the report.

Injured Taken to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital

The injured were admitted to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital. The hospital’s Resident Medical Officer, Sabuktagin Mahmud Sohel, said five of the injured had burns covering around 5 per cent of their bodies. All five were admitted to the hospital. Another person sustained injuries after falling and was discharged following first aid.

According to Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner A. Mannan, six bodies had been recovered so far. DNA samples will be collected before the bodies are handed over to their families.

Cause of Fire Yet to Be Established

The cause of the fire remains unclear. Some people suspect that it may have started in the resort’s kitchen, but this has not been officially confirmed.

Deputy Commissioner A. Mannan said the fire department was investigating the incident. The exact cause of the blaze will be known only after the investigation is completed.