A fire that broke out at Dhaka’s New Super Market on Saturday morning was brought under control after three and a half hours.
Firefighters were alerted to the incident at around 5:40am, and the first firefighting unit reached the spot at 5:43am, according to the media cell of Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD).
Thirty firefighting units brought the blaze under control at 9:10am.
At a press briefing, FSCD Director General Brigadier General Md Main Uddin said, “After about three and a half hours of intensive efforts, the fire in the capital's New Super Market has been brought under control at around 9:10am.”
He said as the situation at New Super Market is similar to Bangabazar, hence it will take time to extinguish the fire completely.
Main Uddin said, “Twelve of our firefighters, including one volunteer, were injured in the incident. Our focus is on controlling the fire and avoiding loss of life and property.
“Thirty fire service units are still working on the spot to control the fire. Fire crews will work until the fire is completely extinguished.”
The army, navy, air force, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) along with other law enforcers also worked with the firefighters.
The New Super Market South Convenor of Shop Owner Association Maruf Hossain said they suspected that some 300 shops on the first and second floor were gutted.
“The loss is estimated to be Tk 75-100 crore. The market will remain closed for today and tomorrow to clean up the burned products,” he added.
The fire service could not ascertain immediately what might have caused the fire.
At least 30 people fell sick from the heavy smoke while firefighters were trying to douse the blaze.
Of them, 21 are firefighters, three fire service officers, two volunteers, two Ansar members, one Scout member and one Navy sergeant. They were admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH).
The massive New Super Market fire caused an unusual traffic jam around the market area due to the closure of adjacent roads.
Right after being alerted to the incident, police closed traffic movements in the adjacent areas to ease the fire control activities.
