INDIA – Chemical Blast and Fire in Dhaka’s Rupnagar Kills 16

October 17, 2025

Fatalities and Identification

At least 16 people were found dead after a fire and chemical explosion at a garment factory in Rupnagar, Mirpur, Dhaka. The bodies were located on the second and third floors of a four-storey building. Due to severe burns, identification will only be possible through DNA testing. All victims are being transported individually to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

Cause and Conditions

Officials believe the fire originated in the compound of a pharmaceutical company and spread following a chemical explosion. During the incident, a flashover released highly toxic fumes. Fire Service Director Lt Col Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury said the victims inhaled the gas, lost consciousness, and died instantly.

The building’s rooftop exit was blocked with two padlocks, and the roof was constructed from tin and thatched materials. These conditions trapped workers between the second and third floors with no escape route.

Firefighting Operations

Firefighters were alerted at 11:40am, and the first team arrived 16 minutes later. Twelve firefighting units worked at the site. Teams used drones and loop monitoring technology to assess the situation before entering the warehouse.

Local residents and workers informed authorities that multiple chemicals were stored in the warehouse, including hydrogen peroxide, bleaching powder, enzymes, meta potash, and salt. Flames and thick smoke rose from the affected area.

Authorities confirmed that neither the garment factory nor the chemical storage facility had a fire safety licence or approval. There was no fire safety plan or proper protection system in place.

India