A devastating fire broke out late Thursday night in a shopping mall in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, claiming the lives of at least 44 people and leaving dozens injured. The tragedy unfolded at a multi-story building on Bailey Road, which housed a variety of eateries and stores, making it a popular spot on Thursdays, the end of the workweek in the bustling city.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the fire engulfed the mall, with many unable to escape due to the lack of emergency exits and the presence of gas cylinders on several floors that likely fueled the flames. Some trapped individuals resorted to jumping from higher levels in a desperate bid to survive.

Police inspector Bachchu Mia revealed that 27 of the deceased had been identified, their bodies subsequently handed over to grief-stricken families. The majority of the victims succumbed to suffocation rather than burns, which aided in the identification process.

The fire reportedly originated on the mall’s second floor, swiftly spreading throughout the seven-story structure. Firefighters battled the blaze for over two hours before finally extinguishing it, but not before significant damage had been done.

Videos circulating online depicted the harrowing aftermath of the fire, with charred floors and lingering smoke serving as grim reminders of the tragic incident. Survivors were seen being rescued and lowered to safety by emergency workers amid a crowd of concerned onlookers.

Alamgir Hossain, an assistant director at the fire department, disclosed that a restaurant offering a special promotion on the fateful night may have played a role in the disaster. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire, which gutted the once-bustling mall.

Bangladesh has grappled with mass-casualty fires and industrial disasters in the past, drawing attention to concerns surrounding workplace safety and poor working conditions. The country’s economic progress has been overshadowed by tragic incidents like the collapse of a garment factory in 2013, which claimed over 1,100 lives.

As authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the shopping mall fire, the community mourns the loss of those who perished in the blaze. The impact of this tragedy will be felt for years to come, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures in public spaces.

Eyewitnesses and survivors recount tales of fear and heroism amidst the chaos, highlighting the human toll of the disaster. Stories of individuals leaping from windows, employees seeking refuge on upper levels, and the valiant efforts of rescue teams paint a vivid picture of the nightmarish ordeal.

The tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the swift devastation that fires can wreak in densely populated urban areas. As Bangladesh grapples with the aftermath of this horrific event, calls for improved safety measures and stricter regulations resonate throughout the nation.

The shopping mall fire in Dhaka stands as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilant fire safety practices and preparedness in public establishments. The loss of 44 lives is a tragic outcome that could have been prevented with proper safety protocols in place.

As the nation mourns the victims of this senseless tragedy, the spotlight shines on the need for greater accountability and measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The legacy of those lost in the fire must serve as a catalyst for change and a renewed commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals in Bangladesh.