10 killed, six injured in fire at beachside resort in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar

A massive fire broke out at a resort in Cox's Bazar, a popular tourist destination in Bangladesh, on Saturday morning. Ten people were burnt to death in the resort near Inani beach, while six were injured.

The fire broke out at around 7 am at Tuptup Resto & Resort near Inani beach in Cox's Bazar district. The resort's three-storey building was largely made of wood, and the fire engulfed the entire building within a short time.

The fire spread so quickly that tourists staying at the resort had no chance to get out. Many of them were asleep in their rooms at the time. Some people took refuge in bathrooms to save their lives. The fire brigade reached the spot and began rescue work, but the 10 people trapped inside had already died by the time it arrived. The six injured are being treated.

Serious safety lapses at the resort have come to light after the incident. It is said that the fire brigade had earlier inspected the resort and warned of a fire hazard. It has also emerged that the resort did not have the required fire safety licence. The building is said to have lacked adequate fire extinguishers, alarms and emergency escape arrangements. Questions are being raised about the administration's functioning, as the resort was kept running despite the earlier warning.

Police have registered a case against those concerned, including the resort's owner and manager. A special committee has been formed to investigate. The exact cause of the fire is not yet clear. An initial suspicion has been expressed that it started from a kitchen stove.

Some of the dead have been identified. DNA tests will be used to confirm the identities of the rest. There is sympathy for the victims in the surrounding area, and it is being said that strict action should be taken against those responsible. The question of fire safety at tourist spots in Bangladesh has been raised once again, and concern is being voiced over it.