Gazi tyres factory fire: Rescue operations hindered by collapsed floors

The rescue operations in the six-story Gazi Tyres factory building in Narayanganj's Sonargaon upazila, which was gutted by a devastating fire on August 25, was hindered as the fire caused to collapse the floors of 4th, 5th, and 6th levels.

Hamidur Rahman, Additional Narayanganj District Magistrate and head of the eight-member probe committee, confirmed the information after visiting the site on Wednesday.

Rahman stated that the fire service officials informed him that the floors had collapsed and the fire was still active, rendering any rescue attempts too dangerous at this time.

The committee, formed by the district administration, is conducting a preliminary investigation, and they aim to submit a report within ten days. Rahman emphasized that technical experts would provide their opinions on the situation, and if necessary, national-level support will be sought to handle the complex recovery efforts.

Regarding the missing persons, the authorities are collecting and documenting the names and details provided by the families. However, the exact number of casualties remains uncertain. Drone footage used by the fire service has not revealed any visible remains, likely due to the intense heat and prolonged fire, which may have incinerated any bodies inside.

Eyewitnesses have reported that over a hundred people were inside the building when the fire started, but the exact count of those missing or deceased is still unclear. The authorities are treating the situation with utmost importance, and further investigations are underway.

The fire is believed to have started after a large group of people entered the factory, leading to vandalism and looting before the blaze began. The situation escalated when several individuals were trapped inside the building as the fire spread rapidly. Emergency services from various nearby areas, including Dhaka's Fulbaria and Demra, responded, with 12 fire units working continuously for three days to bring the fire under control.

As of now, 176 people are reported missing by their relatives, most of whom are from nearby villages. The ongoing situation remains critical, and the investigation will continue to uncover the full extent of the tragedy.