Over 20 firefighting units of the Dhaka Fire Service and Civil Defence worked to bring the massive fire at Banani’s FR Tower under control.
The rescue operations didn’t go in the desired pace due to the smoke emission from the building, rescue workers said.
They said that the rescue operations were interrupted due to the smoke emission, onlookers crowding the area, and scarcity of water.
While netizens blamed the crowd for the disruption, the thick smoke fueled by the synthetic decorations inside the offices was the major obstacle in the rescue process despite the use of four crane ladders were used in the process.
Meanwhile, Dhaka City Corporation tankers also arrived at the scene to provide sufficient supply of water to the firefighting units.
“We now have sufficient water supply, but the smoke is preventing us from reaching the trapped victims,” said Fire Service official Mostafiz.
He added that the eager onlookers gathered to witness the incident were significantly hindering the process.
“However, the students of (nearby) private universities assisted in dousing the flames,” he said.
“The nearby buildings have been evacuated for safety,” a firefighter engaged in the operation said and added that the smoke emission rose at around 3pm and the fire was seen spreading to a nearby building around 3:30pm.
A fire broke out on the ninth floor of Banani’s FR Tower on Thursday (Mar 28) killing 19 people so far and injuring scores.