A tragic accident has unfolded in the Cox's Bazar district of Bangladesh, where a devastating fire at a seaside resort has resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people, with 9 others reported injured. This horrifying incident has brought immense grief to the tourism sector of Bangladesh, raising serious questions regarding safety regulations and emergency protocols. The local administration, along with rescue teams, is thoroughly investigating various aspects of this massive disaster to determine how such a catastrophic event occurred.
Time and Location of the Incident
Mohammad Atiqur Rahman Majumdar, the chief of Ukhia Police Station, provided details of the entire incident, stating that the fire suddenly broke out around 6:30 AM on Saturday at the 'Tup Tup Resto and Resort' located in Inani, Cox's Bazar. This resort is situated very close to the Patuartek Beach near Marine Drive. As soon as the information regarding the fire was received, local authorities and fire service departments were immediately alerted, initiating extensive rescue operations.
Confirmation of Casualties by Officials
Hours after the fire broke out, at around 1:30 PM, fire service spokesperson Talha Bin Jasim officially confirmed the deaths of 10 individuals and injuries to 9 others. This major accident has sent shockwaves through the region, plunging the families of the deceased into profound sorrow. The administration continues to closely monitor the situation, expediting relief efforts to provide all possible assistance to the affected parties.
Condition of the Injured and Hospitalization
According to a report by 'bdnews24', the nine individuals injured in this tragic accident were immediately admitted to the Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital, where they're currently undergoing treatment. Subuktagim Mahmud Sohel, the Resident Medical Officer of Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital, elaborated on the condition of the injured, stating that five of the injured have sustained burns covering approximately 5 percent of their bodies.
Dr. " All five patients severely injured by burns have been admitted to the hospital under close observation, with a dedicated team of doctors attending to them to ensure their speedy recovery.
Resort Structure and Building Materials
According to available information, this three-story resort, constructed primarily from bamboo and wood, is located about 29 kilometers away from Kolatoli near the entrance of the beach town. As reported by the 'Dhaka Tribune', approximately 30 people were present inside the resort at the time the fire broke out. This sudden accident created an atmosphere of panic and chaos inside the resort, leaving people with virtually no time to react.
Uncertainty Surrounding Missing Persons
Regarding the aftermath of the event, it has been reported that four to five people somehow managed to escape and get out safely, but there is still no concrete information regarding the whereabouts and physical condition of the remaining individuals. The administration is continuously trying to ascertain the fate of the others who were inside the resort, thereby compounding the anxieties of their families.
Destruction of the Building and DNA Samples
Syed Mohammad Morshed Hossain, Deputy Assistant Director of Cox's Bazar Fire Service, informed the media that the fire was so intense that the entire building was completely burnt down to ashes. The work of clearing debris and assessing the situation is ongoing. Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner A. Mannan stated that DNA samples will be collected from all the deceased bodies before they're officially handed over to their grieving families to ensure accurate identification.
Investigation into the Cause of the Fire
At present, the exact cause of the fire remains undetermined. Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner A, while mannan also clarified that the fire service is conducting a very detailed investigation into the entire matter. He mentioned that some locals suspect the fire might have originated from the resort's kitchen; however, the actual and definitive cause of the fire can't be officially disclosed until the investigation is fully completed. The administration is actively gathering all possible evidence.