Mirpur slum fire doused after 6 hrs

Shawdesh Desk:

The massive fire that broke out at a slum in Mirpur-7of the city on Friday was doused early Saturday after six hours of relentless efforts by firefighters.

Four people who sustained burn injuries in the fire incident were admitted to a nearby hospital.

Two of the injured were identified as Kabir Habib and Rafique while the identities of two others could not be known yet.

Md Rezaul Karim, assistant director of Fire Service and Civil Defence, said the fire was doused around 1:30 am but the extent of the losses is yet to be ascertained.

An investigation committee will be formed soon to find out the cause of the fire, he said.

Twenty four firefighting units brought the fire under control after over six hours, said Lt Col Zillur Rahman, director (Operations) of the Fire Service Headquarters.

He said it took more time to bring the fire under control for lack of water sources in nearby areas.

The fire originated from a shanty of the slum at Chalantika intersection on the west side of Al Arabia Mosque around 7:20 pm and it soon engulfed the adjoining ones.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Mayor Atiqul Islam and local MP Elias Mollah visited the spot at night.

Talking to reporters, the mayor said shelter centres were opened at local schools for the victims while the city corporation will arrange food for them.