10 killed in Tuptup resort fire, including 8 members of same family

The death toll from a fire at Tuptup Restaurant and Resort in Inani, Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, has risen to 10. Seven others were injured and are receiving treatment at hospitals. A five-member committee has been formed to investigate the incident.

Eight of the deceased were members of the same family, the Fire Service said. The fire is initially suspected to have originated from an electrical short circuit at the resort.

The fire broke out at around 7:00 am on Saturday at the resort in the Patuyartek beach area beside Marine Drive. The flames quickly spread throughout the entire structure. The three-story wooden resort was rapidly reduced to ashes. After bringing the fire under control, rescuers began search operations and found the casualties.

Mohammad Sumon, the resorts in charge, said they suspected the fire had started due to an electrical short circuit. Attempts were made to extinguish the flames immediately after the fire broke out. However, the fire spread throughout the structure after the resort’s air conditioning units and cylinders exploded.

Locals said they heard a loud noise from the resort at around 7:00 am on Saturday. The fire spread throughout the structure shortly afterward. After receiving the report, three Fire Service units arrived at the scene and began firefighting and rescue operations. The fire was completely brought under control at around 11:00 am after a prolonged effort. Members of the Fire Service, police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and SRB took part in the rescue operation.

They also said the wooden resort had a total of nine rooms. It was located about 29 kilometers from Kalatoli in Cox’s Bazar town. The entire structure was destroyed by the fire, causing extensive damage.

Talha Bin Jasim, a media officer of the Fire Service, confirmed the deaths of 10 people. He said the bodies of six people were recovered in the first phase. Four more bodies were later recovered from the resort’s toilet during a search. Search operations at the resort are ongoing.

The six deceased were identified as Israt Jahan Maliha (30), and Milita Mehejabin Alvi (23), from Banasree in Dhaka; Laila Jahan Nabila (27), and Nafista Mim (27), from Khilgaon; and Fariha Kabir (33), and five-year-old Faizan Ahmed from Chuadanga.

Meanwhile, a five-member investigation committee has been formed under the leadership of the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Cox’s Bazar to determine the cause of the fire. The committee will examine the origin of the fire, the reasons for the deaths and the resort’s safety measures. The investigation will seek to establish the actual cause of the fire and determine possible responsibility.