Bangladesh building blaze toll increases to 25

Dhaka: The death toll in a Bangladesh building blaze here increased to 25 on Friday, authorities said.

At least 73 people have also been injured in the blaze that engulfed the 22-storey FR Tower in Dhaka’s Banani area on Thursday.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Mustak Ahmed, told Efe news that 24 of the 25 bodies found in the building, where dozens of offices were located, had been handed over to their families.

The toll could further increase as authorities were continuing with search and rescue operations.

The fire broke out on Thursday in one of the lower floors of the building, located in a commercial area of the city, trapping many in the building.

Several people died after falling off the building while trying to escape the blaze and smoke.

The injured are now being treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital’s burn unit.

The Fire Service Duty Officer Mizanur Rahman claimed the fire was brought under control at around 4:45pm on Thursday.

Five military and air force helicopters were deployed to drop water on the blaze as flames and thick black smoke poured out of the windows. (Agencies)