Punjab Newsline | Dhaka
At least 10 people were killed and nine others injured after a massive fire broke out at a seaside resort in Bangladesh’s southeastern district of Cox’s Bazar on Saturday morning.
The fire erupted at around 6:30 am at the Tuptup Resto and Resort in the Inani area, near Patuartek Beach along Marine Drive. Fire service spokesperson Talha Bin Jasim confirmed the death toll at around 1:30 pm.
The cause of the fire remains unknown. Although some people suspect that the blaze may have originated in the resort’s kitchen, there has been no official confirmation. Deputy Commissioner A. Mannan said the fire service department was investigating the incident, adding that the exact cause would be established after the probe is completed.
Entire Three-Storey Building Reduced to Ashes
The three-storey resort was primarily constructed using bamboo and wood, making it vulnerable to the rapidly spreading flames. The entire building was gutted in the fire, according to Cox’s Bazar Fire Service Deputy Assistant Director Syed Mohammad Morshed Hossain.
The resort is located around 29 kilometres from Kolatoli, near the entrance to the coastal city.
According to reports, around 30 people were present at the resort when the fire broke out. Four to five people reportedly managed to escape, while the whereabouts and condition of the remaining occupants were initially unclear.
Injured Admitted to Hospital
The injured were taken to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital for treatment. The hospital’s Resident Medical Officer, Sabuktagin Mahmud Sohel, said five injured people had suffered burns covering approximately five per cent of their bodies and were admitted to the hospital.
Another person sustained injuries after falling and was discharged following first aid.
Deputy Commissioner A. Mannan said six bodies had been recovered so far. Authorities will collect DNA samples from the deceased before handing over the bodies to their families to establish their identities.
The investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire and establish the full extent of the tragedy.
