New Delhi: Significant news has emerged from Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. A massive fire has reportedly broken out at a madrasa in Narayanganj. At least 79 students fell ill due to the toxic smoke emanating from the fire. Four of these students are said to be in critical condition. Reports indicate that one student has been placed on a ventilator and is in critical condition.
Fire caused by short circuit
According to reports, the incident occurred at the Jamia Ashrafia Madrasa, located in the Narayanganj area, about 16 kilometers from Dhaka. Fire department duty officer Shahjahan said the fire began due to a short circuit on the second floor of the five-story building. As soon as the fire broke out, smoke quickly spread throughout the building, causing panic among hundreds of students living in the madrasa. Many students were trying to escape through the smoke. While escaping, many students experienced severe breathing problems, and their condition worsened due to the smoke.
63 students are still hospitalized
It was further reported that the sick students were immediately taken to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery Hospital in Dhaka. Sultan Mahmud Shikder, a doctor at the hospital, said that a total of 79 students were brought in for treatment. Of these, 63 were hospitalized or placed under emergency observation. After initial evaluation and treatment, 16 students were discharged.
According to Dr. Shikdar, four students, aged 14 to 22, have been admitted to the ICU. One of them is in such critical condition that he has been placed on a ventilator. He further stated that the good news is that none of the students have any burns or scald marks on their bodies. However, the toxic smoke reached their lungs through inhalation, causing all the students to experience respiratory problems. Doctors say that in severe cases, it may take at least 72 hours for the condition to clear up. During this time, the students are being continuously monitored.
Fire under control
It is reported that a fire department team arrived at the scene and successfully controlled the fire. Hospitalized students reported that the madrasa’s second-floor library was completely destroyed in the fire, destroying books and other items. Officials say the damage was exacerbated by the rapid spread of smoke. The fire has now been extinguished, and the situation is under control.
