Firefighters offer prayers during the funeral of their colleague Shakil Torofdar, who died on duty extinguishing a fire that broke out at the BM Container Depot in Chattogram's Sitakunda Saturday night, in Dhaka on Tuesday. At least 43 people died and hundreds were injured in the tragedy — AFP CHATTOGRAM, June 07: The deadly fire at BM Containers Depot Limited, owned by Smart Group, in Sitakunda, Chattogram, was brought under control on Tuesday morning after over 60 hours.
The expert teams of Bangladesh Army and Fire Brigade worked together to douse the fire.
Anisur Rahman, deputy assistant director of Agrabad Fire Station, said, "The teams have totally controlled the fire. It is extinguished on Tuesday."
"Two more bodies were recovered on the day. Their identities will be confirmed after DNA test," he added.
Lieutenant Colonel Ariful Islam, commanding officer of 18 Brigade of 24 Infantry Division, told the journalists, "We have shifted the containers loaded with chemicals at the corner of the depot. So, presently, BM Containers Depot is risk-free."
He also said wreaths of smoke are still coming out from the depot - mainly from containers full of clothes. The water, used to douse the fire, is causing the smoke.
"An expert team of Bangladesh Armed Forces is examining the area for presence of any hazardous substances. After receiving the final report from them we will be assured that there is no possibility of further danger," he added.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benjir Ahamed visited the depot on Tuesday. Later, he talked with journalists and said, "Police will take actions after getting the investigation reports."
Besides, Awami League leader Mahabubul Alam Hanif also visited the spot and hospital on the day.
It may be mentioned that there were around 4,000 containers at the depot. Of these, 16 containers were loaded with hydrogen peroxide, while the rest were loaded with RMG export goods.
A deadly fire broke out at the depot on Saturday. Explosions also occurred during the fire.
The district administration on Monday revised the death toll from the fire to 41, down from the earlier confirmed figure of 50. Besides, over 200 people suffered injuries.
Brigadier General Shamim Ahsan, director of Chattogram Medical College and Hospital, said "We have got 41 bodies, and the authorities concerned have conducted the autopsy of 18."
The identities of 25 people were confirmed, he also said, adding nine of them were fire-fighters. So far, 21 bodies have been handed over to their families.
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