Bangladesh
Fire Accident Massive blaze engulfs over 200 shanties along Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway
Dhaka, November 27: At least 200 shanties were engulfed by a massive blaze that broke out at a slum along the busy Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway in the Tongi area of Gazipur on Saturday morning, reports said.
Fortunately no casualties have been reported so far. However, over a hundred people have lost their houses.
Assistant Director of Gazipur Fire Service and Civil Defence, Mohammad Manik-Uz-Zaman, said the fire broke out at around 4:00 am in Mazar slum in Tongi. Later it spread to other shanties.
Though the residents were able to escape the blaze, their belongings were gutted.
"Nine fire tenders were pressed into service but it took them over two hours to douse the flames. However, it is still not clear what caused the fire," Manik was quoted as saying by Dhaka Tribune.
Meanwhile, locals claimed that five people sustained minor wounds while trying to escape the blaze.
According to fire officials, the extent of the damage is yet to be ascertained.
Giasuddin, the local ward councillor said that food and other assistance will be provided to the victims.
