Death toll rises to 10, eight from same family

The death toll from the fire at a wooden resort in Inani, Ukhiya, has risen to 10, with several others injured, according to the Fire Service. 

It was learnt that eight of the deceased were from the same family.

Meanwhile, a five-member investigation committee, led by an Additional District Magistrate, has been formed to investigate the incident.

The fire broke out at around 7:30AM on Saturday at Tup Tup Resort in the Patowartek Beach area, adjacent to the Marine Drive road. The distance from the scene to the nearest fire station was 22 kilometres.

Upon receiving the information, Fire Service personnel arrived at the scene and worked to bring the blaze under control. The fire was subsequently extinguished completely. In the meantime, the bodies of 10 people were recovered from the site, said Brigadier General Sultanul Afreen Junaid.

He stated that the three-story wooden resort housed a restaurant on the ground floor, where food was prepared. The second and third floors were used for tourist accommodation. The resort lacked the necessary certification from the Fire Service.

Authorities have, so far, identified six of the deceased as Israt Jahan Maliha, 30, from Dhaka's Banasree; Milita Mehezabin Alvi, 23; Laila Jahan Nabila, 27, from Khilgaon, a student of Jagannath University; Nafista Mim, 27; Fariha Kabir, 33, from Chuadanga; and Faizan Ahmed, 5. 

The identities of the remaining four victims have yet to be known.

Local residents and tourists staying at the resort said several loud bangs were heard shortly after smoke was spotted. The fire spread rapidly, triggering panic as tourists scrambled to escape.

While some managed to get out, several others remained trapped inside the resort as the blaze engulfed the wooden structure.

Local journalist Shamimul Islam Faisal reported that the fire broke out at the resort early this morning. Upon receiving the alert, fire service personnel arrived at the scene and brought the blaze under control. Subsequent rescue operations led to the recovery of 10 bodies by 1PM. It is feared that several others remain missing.

Currently, the police, fire service, and local residents are continuing rescue efforts at the site.