A devastating fire tore through a prominent commercial high-rise in Dhaka’s Mirpur 2 district on Monday, claiming the lives of at least two individuals and leaving dozens trapped in a desperate scramble for survival. the blaze, which erupted at the LA Plaza building during the busy post-lunch hour, saw office workers and visitors fleeing to the rooftop as thick, acrid smoke engulfed the lower floors.
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Timeline of the Emergency
The Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) received the first emergency call at 1:52 pm. Initial responders deployed four units to the scene, but as the scale of the crisis became apparent, two additional specialist teams were scrambled to assist. Firefighters battled the inferno for over 90 minutes before bringing it under control at 3:22 pm. The site was finally declared safe and the fire fully extinguished by 4:35 pm.
Desperate Escapes and Rescue Efforts
As the flames spread, the 11-storey building became a vertical trap. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as dozens of people rushed upwards to the roof to escape the heat. Using Turn Table Ladders (TTL), rescue teams managed to evacuate 24 people in total—14 men and 10 women—from various floors and the rooftop.
However, the rescue came too late for two victims discovered between the fourth and fifth floors. Found unconscious in a stairwell heavily choked with smoke, a man and a woman were rushed to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital. Police Sub-Inspector Ahsan Sohail confirmed later that evening that both had succumbed to smoke inhalation. One victim has been identified as Rakib Hasan, while the identity of the deceased woman remains unknown as authorities continue their investigation.
Fire Service Operational Summary
| Metric | Details |
| Location | LA Plaza, Mirpur 2, Dhaka |
| Building Height | 11 Storeys |
| Point of Origin | 3rd Floor (Spa Centre) |
| Total Rescued | 24 Persons (14 Men, 10 Women) |
| Fatalities | 2 (Confirmed at Hospital) |
| Primary Cause | Suspected Electrical Short Circuit |
Investigation and Safety Concerns
Preliminary findings from the FSCD control room suggest the fire originated within a spa centre located on the third floor. Investigators currently believe an electrical malfunction or short circuit triggered the spark. This incident has once again turned the spotlight on fire safety standards in Dhaka’s densely packed commercial sectors, particularly the ventilation of stairwells in high-rise buildings.