Death toll in Cox's Bazar resort fire rises to 7

The fire broke out at around 7AM on Saturday at the resort near Patuartek beach along Marine Drive and was brought under control around 10AM, according to Fire Service officials.

Dolon Acharya, a senior official of the Fire Service, confirmed that seven bodies had been recovered from the scene.

Fire Service sources said 17 tourists were staying at the resort. Officials initially suspect that the victims were tourists, but their identities had not been known immediately.

Ukhiya Police Station OC Atikur Rahman said the number of casualties was still being assessed.

''Several people are feared dead, but it will take some time to determine exactly how many tourists have died.''

Three units began working at around 8AMam to bring the blaze under control.

The fire caused extensive damage to the property. Rescue workers were searching the premises to determine whether anyone else remained trapped inside, as fears persisted that the casualty count could rise.

Reports also indicated that people associated with the resort had fled the scene following the fire.

The cause of the blaze, the extent of the financial losses and the resort’s fire safety arrangements were not immediately known.