At least 43 people have tragically lost their lives in a devastating fire that broke out in a multi-storey building in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. The fire reportedly started in a restaurant located on the ground floor of the seven-story building at around 10:00 PM local time on Thursday.

According to eyewitness accounts, the fire rapidly spread throughout the building, trapping numerous individuals inside. Fire officials were able to bring the blaze under control after making significant efforts. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Health Minister Samanta Lal Sen confirmed that 33 individuals, including women and children, were declared dead at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital. An additional 10 casualties were reported at the city's main burns hospital. Several others were also admitted for treatment due to fire-related injuries.

The emergency services were alerted when the fire initially broke out at the Kacchi Bhai restaurant. The establishment is part of a complex that houses various other restaurants, as well as clothing and mobile phone shops.

Eyewitness accounts shed light on the horrifying events unfolding during the fire. Sohel, a restaurant manager, described seeing smoke rapidly filling the staircase on the sixth floor. People rushed upstairs in panic, and some had to resort to using a water pipe to climb down the building. In the chaos, many sustained injuries as they jumped from higher floors.

Mohammad Altaf, another survivor, narrowly escaped through a broken window. Sadly, two of his colleagues, who selflessly aided others to safety, later succumbed to the flames.

Fires in commercial and residential buildings are not uncommon in Bangladesh. Tragic incidents such as these are often attributed to poor safety awareness and a lack of adequate enforcement of regulations.

As the investigation continues into the cause of this devastating fire, the nation mourns the loss of these precious lives. Efforts must be made to enhance safety measures and stricter enforcement of regulations to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.