1,500 shanties gutted in Karail fire, no casualty

THE INFERNO AFTERMATH: Once densely-populated, the Karail slum in the capital looked almost ruined on Wednesday after a fire ravaged hundreds of houses there on Tuesday. — FE Photo by Shafiqul Alam

Around 1,500 shanties were burnt in the fire at the Karail slum in the capital on Tuesday night, according to the Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD). But no casualties were reported.
The blaze was brought under control after more than five hours of hectic efforts by 19 firefighting units.
Fire Service Director (Operation and Maintenance) Lt Col Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury told the media on Tuesday night that three fire service units from different stations had reached the spot 35 minutes after the fire broke out. The delay was mainly caused by the severe traffic congestion on the roads.
He also said although more units arrived later, the vehicles could not enter because of the narrow lanes. The firefighters faced significant difficulties in reaching the source of the fire.
Units from three to four firefighting stations were mobilised. As the vehicles could not enter the slum, firefighters were forced to use hoses from a distance. During the operation, they observed tangled electrical wires and gas cylinders in every shanty. The exact cause of the fire could be determined after an investigation.
"No casualties have been reported so far, though there may be minor injuries. This will be known later."
He also said the extent of financial losses and damage would be confirmed after the investigation.
BSS adds, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, the Chief Adviser's Special Assistant for the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, stated on Wednesday that the government has no plans to construct any establishments in the city's Korail slum.
"An unexpected proposal for the construction of a high-tech park in Korail slum has come to our attention. We urge private entrepreneurs in the software sector to refrain from making such irresponsible statements, especially when hundreds of people are living in conditions of extreme hardship and homelessness,” he added.
Meanwhile, the FSCD has formed a five-member committee to probe the devastating fire into Korail Slum. The committee has been asked to submit the investigation report within 15 working days, Md Shahjahan Sikder, assistant director FSCD, Headquarters confirmed.
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