Early on Friday morning (13 March), a severe fire broke out at a 14-storey five-star hotel located near the Khilgaon overbridge in Dhaka. The blaze, which began in the ground floor during air-conditioning maintenance, resulted in four staff members sustaining burn injuries.
According to authorities, the fire was triggered by a short circuit while electrical work was underway. Swift action by hotel employees ensured that the affected staff were rescued and transported to the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute for urgent medical attention.
The injured include: Md. Monsur (32), Md. Abdul Matin (67), Md. Mahi (17), and Md. Abdul Jalil (67). Hospital sources confirmed that while some injuries are serious, all patients are currently in a stable condition and receiving necessary treatment.
Police and fire service officials reported that only a handful of employees were present on the ground floor at the time of the incident. The hotel management promptly alerted the nearby fire service, whose team arrived within 20 minutes to bring the blaze under control and prevent it from spreading to other floors.
The hotel management stated that all remaining staff and guests were safely evacuated. A preliminary assessment suggests that the combination of an electrical short circuit and insufficient safety measures may have contributed to the incident. Authorities are currently examining the extent of the damage and conducting a detailed investigation into fire safety compliance.
The following table summarises the victims’ details and treatment status:
| Name | Age | Position | Hospital Admission Time | Burn Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Md. Monsur | 32 | Hotel Staff | 06:30 AM | Severe but stable |
| Md. Abdul Matin | 67 | Hotel Staff | 06:45 AM | Stable, under treatment |
| Md. Mahi | 17 | Hotel Staff | 06:50 AM | Moderate burns, under observation |
| Md. Abdul Jalil | 67 | Hotel Staff | 07:00 AM | Severe, receiving specialised care |
Fire service officers confirmed that the building’s electrical systems and safety protocols are currently under thorough inspection. The hotel owner has been instructed to enhance fire safety measures immediately.
Local residents reported panic upon witnessing smoke and hearing the fire. Fortunately, rapid response prevented significant casualties, and the fire was contained before it could cause widespread damage.
The local administration, together with the fire service, has launched a full investigation into the incident. Officials have assured that steps will be taken to prevent similar accidents in the future, highlighting the critical need for strict adherence to fire safety regulations in high-rise hotels.