Massive Fire Breaks Out at Chattogram Shopping Complex; Five Fire Units Responding
The blaze began at approximately 9:45 AM, just as shopkeepers were preparing to open their establishments for the weekend rush. Five units from the Fire Service and Civil Defence are currently engaged in a massive operation to bring the flames under control. The sudden outbreak of fire on a holiday morning has sparked widespread panic across the locality, with large crowds of onlookers hampering the movement of emergency vehicles and rescue efforts.
According to the Chattogram Fire Service control room, firefighting teams were dispatched immediately upon receiving the emergency call. However, responders are facing significant challenges in entering the building due to the dense smoke and the cramped interior layout of the complex. Local witnesses and business owners suggest that the fire originated in a warehouse located on the second floor, which reportedly contained large quantities of clothing or plastic goods. The highly flammable nature of these materials allowed the fire to spread rapidly to adjacent shops, creating a thick blanket of black smoke that is visible from several kilometers away.
While the exact cause of the fire remains unconfirmed, preliminary suspicions point toward a potential electrical short circuit. Fire officials have stated that a formal investigation will be launched only after the blaze is fully extinguished. Business owners are expressing deep concern over the potential for massive financial losses, as the complex houses numerous high-value retail outlets, including designer clothing stores and electronics shops. The timing of the incident is particularly blow for traders who were expecting high sales volumes during the weekend.
As of mid-morning, no casualties or injuries have been officially reported, although several people were evacuated from the upper floors during the initial moments of the outbreak. Fire Service authorities have urged the public to stay clear of the area to allow emergency personnel to work unimpeded. Once the situation is stabilized, a specialized team will assess the structural integrity of the building and provide a detailed report on the extent of the damage. For now, the primary focus remains on preventing the fire from jumping to the densely packed residential and commercial buildings surrounding the shopping complex.
