An electrical short circuit triggered a fire at Tup-Tup Resort along Marine Drive in Cox’s Bazar on Saturday morning, according to the resort’s person in charge, Suman.
The blaze reportedly intensified after an air conditioner and a gas cylinder exploded, spreading fire throughout the building and leaving at least 10 people dead.
Earlier, the Fire Service reported six deaths, saying preliminary information suggested that all the victims were tourists. Senior Fire Service official Dolan Acharya confirmed the information.
The six victims initially identified were Israt Jahan Maliha, 30, and Milita Mehejabin Alvi, 23, from Banasree, Dhaka; Laila Jahan Nabila, 27, and Nafista Mim, 27, from Khilgaon, Dhaka; and Fariha Kabir, 33, and Fayizan Ahmed, 5, from Chuadanga.
Those injured in the fire were initially taken to Ukhiya Upazila Health Complex before being transferred to Cox’s Bazar District Sadar Hospital, according to the hospital’s emergency department.
Two Fire Service units responded to the incident. Local residents said the fire broke out at around 7:30am. Firefighters arrived shortly afterwards, while residents and police joined rescue efforts and attempts to bring the blaze under control.
Around 30 people were reportedly at the resort when the fire started. Four to five people managed to escape, but the whereabouts and condition of the others remain unconfirmed.
