Dhaka, Jan 16 (V7N) — At least six people were killed in a devastating fire that broke out at a seven-storey residential building in Sector 11 of Uttara in the capital on Friday morning. Several residents were trapped amid dense smoke and flames after the fire originated on the second floor of the building.

The incident occurred at around 7:45 am.

According to an initial statement from the Fire Service media cell, the death toll was reported as three. However, police later confirmed that the number of fatalities had risen to six.

The Fire Service said it received information about the blaze at around 8:00 am, and two firefighting units rushed to the scene. The fire was brought under control by 8:25 am and was fully extinguished around 10:00 am after sustained efforts by firefighters.

Authorities confirmed that three women and three men were among the deceased.

Among the victims, Fazle Rabbir’s body has been kept at Kuwait Friendship Hospital. His wife is currently undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, while the body of his daughter has been kept at Lubana Hospital.

The bodies of another victim, Haris, and his son are also at Kuwait Friendship Hospital, while the body of his niece has been placed at Bangladesh Specialized Hospital.

The cause of the fire could not be determined immediately, and an investigation is underway. The incident created panic in the surrounding area as residents rushed to safety amid thick smoke.

END/SMA/AJ