A devastating fire broke out on Monday at LA Plaza, a prominent 11-storey commercial building in Dhaka’s Mirpur 2, resulting in the deaths of at least two individuals. The blaze, which originated on the third floor, triggered scenes of panic as occupants scrambled to the upper floors and the rooftop to escape the encroaching smoke and flames.
According to the Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence, the initial distress call was received at 1:52 pm. Four firefighting units were immediately dispatched to the scene, later reinforced by an additional two units as the severity of the situation became apparent.
The Rescue Operation
As the fire took hold, several people found themselves trapped within the smoke-filled stairwells. Firefighters utilised a Turn Table Ladder (TTL) to reach those stranded on the roof and intermediate floors. In total, rescue teams managed to evacuate 24 individuals, comprising 14 men and 10 women.
Tragically, two of those rescued—a man and a woman found in a semi-conscious state between the fourth and fifth floors—succumbed to their injuries. They were rushed to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, but medical staff were unable to revive them. Sub-Inspector Ahsan Shohel of Mirpur Police Station confirmed the fatalities later that evening, identifying the male victim as Rakib Hasan, while the identity of the female victim remains unconfirmed.
Incident Timeline and Data
The following table outlines the operational response to the LA Plaza fire:
| Event Milestone | Recorded Time | Personnel/Resources Involved |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Alert | 1:52 pm | 4 Units dispatched |
| Reinforcements | 2:30 pm | 2 Additional Units (Total 6) |
| Fire Contained | 3:22 pm | Cooling operations commenced |
| Fire Extinguished | 4:35 pm | Full damping down completed |
| Total Rescued | 24 Persons | 14 Men, 10 Women |
| Confirmed Deaths | 2 Persons | Asphyxiation/Smoke Inhalation |
Cause of the Conflagration
Preliminary investigations by the Fire Service headquarters suggest that the blaze started within a spa centre located on the third floor. Officials believe a short circuit or electrical malfunction was the likely catalyst. “The density of the smoke in the stairwells acted as a chimney, making it nearly impossible for those on the middle floors to descend safely,” noted Shahjahan Siraj, a senior official from the Mirpur Fire Station.
The incident has once again raised urgent questions regarding fire safety protocols in the capital’s densely packed commercial buildings, particularly concerning the maintenance of internal electrical systems and the accessibility of fire exits.
