A densely populated slum in the city, housing approximately 150,000 residents, is linked to the main road through a narrow pathway often congested with stalled rickshaws. Further inside, beyond the Baitul Aman Central Jame Mosque gate, the lanes become even narrower, making it difficult for two rickshaws to pass simultaneously, causing pedestrians to struggle during peak hours.
This constrained passage serves as the sole entry point to the Korail slum in Mohakhali, where firefighters faced challenges navigating during a recent fire outbreak at around 5:20 pm on Tuesday. The flames swiftly spread through the closely packed shanties, fueled by wooden structures, waste materials, and entangled electrical wires.
Despite the efforts of nineteen fire service units working throughout the night, the blaze was fully extinguished around 9:30 am the following day, nearly 16 hours later, resulting in significant devastation. The fire ravaged 1,338 houses, displacing around 6,000 individuals, and also gutted approximately 50 shops and a section of a mosque.
While the cause of the fire remains unknown, fortunately, there were no reported casualties. Both locals and firefighters emphasized the challenges of containing fires in Korail due to geographical constraints, congestion, and inadequate infrastructure.
Lt Col Tajul Islam Chowdhury, the director of operations at the Fire Service and Civil Defence, highlighted the difficulties faced in reaching the slum promptly due to narrow lanes and heavy traffic congestion. The layout of the slum poses obstacles for fire engines to enter swiftly, as mentioned by resident Azmat Ali, further complicating firefighting efforts.
The Korail slum is sandwiched between affluent neighborhoods, with upscale apartment towers surrounding it. The recent fire incident led to a chaotic evacuation as residents fled with their belongings, recounting the struggle to escape the spreading flames.
In the aftermath, affected residents searched through the debris for salvageable items, while authorities provided emergency relief and support. The Fire Service and Civil Defence initiated an investigation into the fire, forming a committee to determine the cause within a specified timeframe.
Efforts are underway to provide aid to the affected families, with the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief distributing essential supplies. The recent fire marks the fourth significant incident in Korail since 2023, underscoring the recurring challenges of narrow pathways, combustible materials, and delayed response times.
Addressing the structural barriers faced by firefighters, experts advocate for specialized vehicles and community volunteer teams to enhance preparedness and response to such emergencies. Regular fire drills in Korail have proven beneficial, aiding in more efficient firefighting operations during crises.