Global General

At least 72 killed in fire in capital of Bangladesh

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-06-04 04:21

DHAKA: At least 72 people were burnt alive and many others injured in a devastating fire Thursday night in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka.

Fire Brigade engaged in rescue operation and Dhaka Medical College Hospital which is receiving the injuries said at least 72 people have been killed in the devastating fire

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The fire broke out in a chemical factory in the old Dhaka city at about 9:20 pm local time. It soon spread to four or five houses in the congested residential area, trapping hundreds of residents in the densely populated areas.

The firefighters rushed to the spot soon after the accident. After frantic efforts they managed to bring the fire under control.

The rescue operation is still on. It is expected the death toll will rise further.

The injured were rushed to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

The fire was started by an explosion in an electrical transformer and then spread to residential and commercial buildings, witnesses said.