Mirpur chemical factory accident: At least 10 missing, government’s action ‘unsatisfactory’

Staff Correspondent

Smoke is rising from a chemical factory named Cosmic Pharma in the Shialbari area of ​​Rupnagar, Mirpur. Four members of the fire service, who wore chemical fire suits and participated in the rescue operation, entered the factory to determine the origin of the accident.

Talha Bin Jasim, the organization’s media cell officer, confirmed that fire service members entered the chemical godown of Cosmic Pharma in the Shialbari area on Wednesday (October 15) morning.

Fire Service Media Cell Officer Talha Bin Jasim said, “They came out five minutes after entering. Further action will be taken after analyzing the information received by the members.”

However, it was seen on the ground that smoke was still coming out of the burnt godown.

Experts say there may be more dangerous chemicals remaining in the smoke source and inside the factory, creating a risk of new fires.

According to initial reports, at least 10 people are trapped inside the factory. It is believed that they have already died. But the government’s actions and emergency measures have been described as “unsatisfactory” by teachers and locals.

A fire service official, who did not wish to be named, told BD Digest, “Our safety was at risk when we went inside. It is not possible to launch a large-scale rescue operation without analyzing the information. But if the government does not take quick action, the chances of saving the injured or trapped will decrease.”

Locals who visited the accident site complained, “The government is wasting time. The situation could get worse. If urgent action is not taken now, the lives of many people will be at risk.”

Analysts believe that not only the fire service’s incompetence, but also the government’s lack of action played a major role in this incident. Unless security and emergency preparedness at such chemical plants are strengthened, it will be difficult to avoid similar accidents in the future.

The fire service says the fire has been initially brought under control, but the interior of the factory is still dangerous, and further operations will be carried out in stages.