Massive fire in Bangladesh food factory: 52 people killed, dozens still missing

A massive fire in a Bangladesh food processing factory has killed 52 people and injured 50 more. Many workers were forced to leap from the upper floors after the fire quickly raced through the six-storey factory, AFP news agency reported citing police officials.

Eighteen firefighting units have been struggling to douse the fire at the factory building.

Firefighters said they have rescued 25 people from the roof of the factory, which produced noodles and drinks.

Police said the fire broke out at Hashem Food and Beverage factory in Rupganj, an industrial town outside Dhaka, on Thursday evening and was still raging nearly 24 hours later.

Distraught relatives gathered in front of the building in search of their loved ones who are still missing.

Fire service spokesman Debashish Bardhan said ‘once the fire is under control, a search and rescue operation will be conducted inside to confirm further casualties’

A five-member probe committee has been formed by the district administration to look into the incident.