At least 16 people have been killed and many more are feared trapped following a devastating fire at a garment factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh. 
The blaze also spread to a nearby chemical warehouse, triggering explosions and releasing toxic gas that contributed to the fatalities.

Dhaka

A major fire broke out at a garment factory in Dhaka, spreading to a nearby chemical warehouse and resulting in significant loss of life. Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours, but many workers were reportedly trapped inside due to locked doors. Initial reports suggest the fire triggered a chemical explosion, releasing toxic gas that contributed to the fatalities. Authorities stated that neither the factory nor the warehouse had proper approvals or fire safety plans, and many victims may only be identified through DNA testing. The incident has renewed scrutiny of safety standards in Bangladesh's garment industry, which employs millions and is a key part of the nation's economy.

Bangladesh mourns victims of Dhaka factory inferno

Firefighters battled the blaze at this garment factory in Dhaka for more than 3 hours, finally bringing it under control. But not before the fire spread to a nearby chemical warehouse and caused mass casualties. Grief stricken relatives growing more desperate by the hour for news of missing loved ones. My brother has been missing since yesterday. Someone is telling us to go to the police. Some suggested visiting hospitals and some said to come here. Nobody is providing proper information. We are being misled repeatedly. The authorities are busy with their own work, not telling us anything. Initial reports indicate the fire triggered a chemical explosion, releasing toxic gas that contributed to many deaths. Witnesses say the factory's entrance and rooftop doors were locked, trapping workers inside. Unwear Fashions, the factory involved, is a subcontractor for larger international apparel brands. I spoke to the factory guard. He said it was too smoky, so he fled, leaving the others locked inside. Everyone told me the door was padlocked. Why? Why was there a lock on the door? The workers, including my sister, could run out and save their lives. I want justice. Authorities say neither the garment factory nor the chemical warehouse had proper approvals or a fire safety plan. Many victims were so badly burned that DNA testing may be the only way to identify them. Poor fire safety and building standards continue to cause disasters like this in Bangladesh's garment industry every year. The sector employs 4 million people and accounts for more than 10% of the country's GDP. But tragedies like this expose how fast fashion and cheap prices come with a human cost. Zain Basravi, Al Jazeera.

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