A devastating fire at a garment factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh, has claimed the lives of at least 16 people, with officials warning the death toll could increase. The blaze, which began in the factory and spread to an adjacent chemical warehouse, has left distraught relatives searching for missing loved ones.

• At least 16 bodies were recovered, burned beyond recognition, requiring DNA testing for identification.
• The fire service reported most deaths were caused by toxic gas inhalation and a locked roof door, with the victims likely dying “instantly.”
• The affected chemical warehouse reportedly stored highly flammable materials like bleaching powder, plastic, and hydrogen peroxide, and operated without proper safety clearances or licenses from the fire service and northern Dhaka officials.