46 killed as fire breaks out in Bangladesh building

DHAKA, March 1

A massive fire in Bangladesh that raged through a six-storey building home to restaurants where many families with children were dining has killed at least 46 persons and injured dozens, the health minister said on Friday.

Fire authorities said a gas leak could have caused Thursday’s blaze in the capital, which spread quickly after breaking out in a biryani restaurant, and was only reined in following two hours of effort by 13 units of firefighters.

Hospitals are treating 22 persons with burn wounds, Health Minister Samanta Lal Sen said. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed shock and sorrow at the incident. Firefighters used cranes to rescue people from the charred building, said fire officials, who were still working to clear debris and douse any remaining embers.

Relatives gathered at the hospital early on Friday to receive the bodies of the dead. — Reuters