The relentless fire that erupted at the warehouse of S Alam Refined Sugar Industries in Chittagong on Monday continues to rage, defying firefighting efforts even after 18 hours.
As of the latest update filed at 10 am on Tuesday, firefighters from nine units are tirelessly working to quell the flames. Chittagong Fire Service Assistant Director, Md Abdul Malek, disclosed that the sugar within the factory is still ablaze, requiring additional time to bring the situation under control.
Despite initial efforts that temporarily subdued the fire around 10:30 pm on Monday night, the persistent nature of the blaze necessitates continued efforts to completely extinguish it, as confirmed by Md Abdul Malek.
The fire, originating at S Alam Sugar Mill in the Icha Nagar area of Karnaphuli upazila at 4 pm on Monday, was initially brought under control after six and a half hours, averting further spread.
In response to the incident, a seven-member investigation committee, led by the Additional District Magistrate, was promptly formed on Monday night. Karnaphuli Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Masuma Jannat, confirmed the establishment of the committee to scrutinize the circumstances surrounding the fire.
The magnitude of the firefighting operation is evident, with a combined force of 100 members from the Bangladesh Army, two 12-member teams each from the Bangladesh Navy, Bangladesh Air Force, Bangladesh Coast Guard, RAB, and police, actively engaged in extinguishing the fire at S Alam Refined Sugar Industries.
The factory authorities reported substantial losses, citing the destruction of 100,000 tons of unrefined sugar stored in their warehouse. The estimated total financial impact of the incident is pegged at Tk1,400 crore.
