Devastating Apparel Factory Fire in Bangladesh Claims a Minimum of 16 Victims

No fewer than 16 people have perished after a huge fire erupted at a clothing factory in Bangladesh, with authorities warning that the death toll could increase.

16 bodies have been recovered but were burned beyond recognition, the fire service stated.

Grief-stricken relatives gathered outside the multi-story factory in Mirpur, Dhaka on Tuesday in seeking their loved ones still missing.

The inferno, which started at the factory around noon, was brought under control after three hours. But an neighboring chemical warehouse remained ablaze, officials reported.

As late as 21:00 local time (15:00 GMT) yesterday, the fire at the chemical warehouse had not been entirely put out, news sources said.

Fire service officials have not established which of the two buildings ignited initially.

Per eyewitnesses, the chemical warehouse housed industrial bleaches, plastic materials and industrial peroxide, all of which can worsen fires. Synthetic materials also produces toxic fumes when burned.

Police and military officers are still trying to locate the owners of the factory and the warehouse, fire department chief Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury informed the media.

An probe on whether the warehouse was functioning with proper authorization is also in progress, he mentioned.

Weeping family members stood outside the charred buildings, many of them holding photographs of their unaccounted for relatives.

Among them is a man searching desperately for his daughter, his loved one.

"When I learned of the fire, I hurried to the scene. But I still have been unable to find her... I just want my child back," he stated to journalists.

The devastating event has yet again underscored the hazardous conditions facing Bangladesh's garment industry, which employs numerous of workers and is a crucial provider of economic income for the South Asian economy.