Bangladesh Resort Fire Kills 10, Injures Nine at Cox’s Bazar Tourist Destination

DHAKA, Oct 17 : At least 10 people, believed to be tourists, were killed and nine others injured when a fire broke out at a resort on the Cox’s Bazar coast in southeastern Bangladesh on Saturday morning, according to the country’s fire service.

The blaze erupted at a wooden resort and restaurant at Inani Sea Beach, a popular tourist destination in Cox’s Bazar, while people were reportedly asleep.

The fire service said the blaze was completely extinguished after two firefighting units responded to the incident, working alongside local authorities and police.

Personnel from the Border Guard also joined the rescue operation, the force said in a statement.

According to local broadcaster Jamuna TV, nine people were injured in the fire. Their identities had not been confirmed at the time of reporting.

All those killed and injured were believed to be tourists, given the area's popularity among visitors, the report said.

The cause of the fire has not yet been established. Preliminary reports suggested that it may have started from a kitchen stove or an electrical short circuit, but neither possibility has been officially confirmed.

District authorities have formed an investigative committee to determine the circumstances surrounding the blaze.

The incident has raised concerns over fire safety at wooden resorts and other tourist accommodation facilities in the coastal destination. Further details about the victims and the extent of the property damage were awaited.