Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Mominur Rahman removed confusion about the death toll in the BM Container Depot fire in Sitakunda, revising and lowering it to 41 on Monday.
“Some bodies were taken to the morgue of Chattogram General Hospital and were counted there once. The same bodies were counted again at the Chattogram Medical College and Hospital (CMCH). This error pushed the death toll up to 49," he said.
“Later, all of the bodies were brought to the CMCH. As of now, 41 bodies have been found."
Information provided by the district administration and the civil surgeon’s office to the media showed discrepancies in the death toll after the incident. The error became apparent on Monday while handing over the bodies.
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Meanwhile, firefighters continued their operation on Monday to douse the deadly blaze even after 38 hours of the incident. Fire service sources said there may be a container holding flammable chemicals close to the burning containers and so they are working very carefully.
A 20-member special HAZMAT (hazardous material) team with two tenders reached Chattogram from Dhaka to assist the fire service men working at the depot.
The fire service officials hoped that the fire can be brought under control with the help of the team.
Monir Hossain, assistant director (training) of the fire service, said the depot authorities have brought handling equipment to remove the burnt containers.
“We have also prepared eight teams. At least 10 containers are still burning and fire will be extinguished separately,” he added.
Three units of the fire service are working inside the depot to control the fire till 12 noon.
However, the fire service officials are not sure how long they will have to work to tame the blaze.
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A team of the Bangladesh Army is still working to bring the blaze under control and prevent the spread of chemicals in the area.
According to fire service sources, the container depot contained a large quantity of chemicals called 'hydrogen peroxide'. Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound which acts like explosives at high temperatures.
There were nine fire service members among the deceased. Besides, over 200 people suffered injuries.
Twelve firemen still remained missing, Shahjahan Shikdar, deputy assistant director of Fire Service and Civil Defence headquarters (media) said on Sunday.
