Gazi tyres factory fire: Many remain missing

Rescue operations could not commence despite 50 hours passing after a devastating fire broke out at the Gazi Tyre Factory in Rupganj Upazila of Narayanganj. Nearly 176 people allegedly remain missing. However, the Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) members say the number may not be correct. 

The fire started on the 5th floor of a building in the back of the factory on Sunday. Locals first notified the fire service at around 10:35pm. A total of 11 firefighting units arrived from Demra, Kachpur, Adamzi EPZ, and Kanchan fire stations. After 32 hours of effort, firefighters doused the fire at around 5am on Tuesday. 

However, the situation inside the factory is still unsafe. The sixth floor continues to emit smoke. The presence of flammable chemicals is causing spontaneous fires in some places. In fact, the factory building may collapse at any time, the fire service said.

Confirming the matter, FSCD Director (Operations) Lt. Col. Tajul Islam told the Daily Samakal, "It will be difficult to find anything but ashes after burning for so long amid such flammable materials. And we are dubious about the number of missing people."

He also said that flammable chemicals originate after tyres are burnt. The fire takes a long time to douse no matter how much water is used. 

An 8-member probe committee was formed to investigate the fire incident, Narayanganj District Commissioner Mahmudul Haque told journalists on Tuesday. Meanwhile, students of Rupganj have formed a list of 126 people who allegedly went missing in the fire. A number of people claiming to be relatives of the missing people continue to crowd in front of the factory.