Rubber, chemicals fuel fire
Flammable rubber used beneath aluminium sheets and chemicals stored inside factory buildings intensified a fire at Drug International Limited’s Unit-2 factory in Tongi, Gazipur, damaging two buildings, the Fire Service and Civil Defence said on Wednesday.
Fire Service and Civil Defence Director General Brigadier General Sultanul Afrain Zunaid disclosed the details at a media briefing after the blaze was brought under control at around 1:35pm.
He said the exact cause of the fire had yet to be determined.
According to preliminary findings, the fire originated on the fourth floor of one of the factory’s four-storey buildings before spreading to an adjacent structure through a connecting staircase.
The building where the fire started contained various chemicals, while highly flammable rubber used beneath aluminium sheets contributed to the rapid spread of the blaze.
Authorities prioritised protecting nearby structures to prevent further damage. Coordinated efforts by the Fire Service and other agencies helped bring the situation under control.
A total of 21 firefighting units were deployed to tackle the blaze. The Army’s Chemical Danger Unit, along with a medical team and robots from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), also assisted in the operation. Factory workers and volunteers joined the firefighting and rescue efforts.
Although the fire was brought under control, firefighters continued extinguishing remaining flames and conducting damping operations, as hot spots and embers could still pose a risk inside the buildings.
The building where the fire originated sustained severe damage to its fourth and second floors, while other floors were also significantly affected. The neighbouring building was damaged as well, the director general said.
The factory manufactures various medicines, including powders and injections. Chemicals stored inside the buildings triggered small explosions and sporadic flames during firefighting operations.
Some firefighters experienced breathing difficulties after detecting a chlorine-like smell inside the buildings. They continued their work using appropriate respiratory equipment.
The director general confirmed that one Fire Service personnel had suffered breathing difficulties and received medical attention.
“No other casualties have been reported so far. However, the final casualty figures can be confirmed only after rescue and search operations are completed,” he said.
The fire broke out earlier on Wednesday and was brought under control after nearly four hours of firefighting efforts.
The prime minister had also directed the authorities to prevent the fire from spreading and minimise damage as much as possible.
