Tourists smash doors, windows to escape Tuptup resort fire

They had spent the evening enjoying the peaceful surroundings beside the sea beach. The next morning, some were still asleep, while others were planning their activities for the day. A few were preparing to go swimming in the sea when a fire suddenly broke out. To save their lives, some smashed doors, others broke windowpanes, and some jumped out of the resort to escape.

Six people were killed and another six injured in a fire at Tuptup Resort and Restaurant in Inani, Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, on Saturday morning. Eight people were rescued.
The fire broke out at around 7 am at the resort beside the sea in the Patuartek area along Marine Drive. After receiving the news, three Fire Service units arrived at the scene and began firefighting and rescue operations. The blaze caused extensive damage to the resort.
According to the Fire Service, six people died in the incident. The injured were taken to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital. However, there was no immediate clear information on the total number of tourists staying at the resort or whether everyone had been rescued.
Local residents said around 17 to 18 tourists were staying at the resort when the fire broke out. Some had gone to swim in the sea that morning. They escaped unharmed because they were outside the resort when the fire started.
Meanwhile, several tourists trapped inside broke down doors and smashed windowpanes to get out. Some also tried to save themselves by jumping from the upper floors. There was concern about the fate of those who had been asleep when the fire broke out. Local residents said several people could not initially be located.
One tourist said, “My wife and I jumped from the second floor into a nearby drainage channel to escape. There were around 20 to 25 people at the resort. About nine of us managed to get out.”
An employee of the resort suspected that the fire might have originated from an air conditioner or an electrical short circuit. However, the Fire Service has not yet confirmed the actual cause.
Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Abdul Mannan said six people had died and the injured were receiving treatment at Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital. Eight people had been rescued. An investigation was under way to determine how the fire started.
Local residents said Tuptup Resort and Restaurant, located in the Patuartek area about 29 kilometres from Kolatoli in Cox’s Bazar town, was popular among tourists. Visitors from different parts of the country came there to enjoy the peaceful surroundings close to the sea.
Local residents alleged that responsible officials of the resort had left the scene after the fire broke out. No statement from the resort authorities was immediately available. The extent of the damage has yet to be assessed. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire and gathering information about the dead, injured and missing.