Nine people have been found dead following a fire that broke out at a clothing factory and an adjacent chemical warehouse in Shialbari, Mirpur, Dhaka.

The information was confirmed around 4:15 p.m. today (Tuesday) by Talha Bin Jasim, an official of the Fire Service’s media cell.

According to him, nine people have so far been confirmed dead, though the number may rise. The bodies were recovered from inside the garment factory and have been placed in front of the building. They will be handed over to the police for further legal procedures.

Talha Bin Jasim added that the fire originated at the nearby chemical warehouse, which contained bleaching powder, plastic materials, and hydrogen peroxide. Preliminary findings suggest that toxic fumes from the chemicals may have caused the deaths.

A total of 12 fire service units are working to bring the blaze under control. The fire started at around 11:45 a.m. today.