A fire at a wooden beachside resort in Cox’s Bazar has killed at least 10 people. Preliminary information suggests all the victims were tourists. The blaze destroyed Tuptup Resto and Resort in the Patuartek area along Marine Drive, near Inani Beach in Ukhiya.
The Death Toll Climbs
The toll rose through the day, from five to seven and then to 10. By 2:15pm, Fire Service officials confirmed 10 bodies had been recovered. Early reports say around 30 people were at the resort when the fire began. Six victims were identified in the afternoon, including a five-year-old child, and the others were hard to identify. Authorities said DNA samples would be collected before bodies were returned to families. The injured were first taken to Ukhiya Upazila Health Complex and then to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital.
Rescue Efforts
The Fire Service said it received the report at 7:25am. The resort is about 18km from the nearest fire station, and firefighters arrived at about 8am. Teams brought the flames under control and began searching the burned structure, which was built mainly of wood. Local people said staff and management left the scene after the fire started. Police warned that the toll could rise while the search continued.
What Caused the Fire?
The cause is not confirmed. Deputy Commissioner Md A Mannan said the fire was suspected to have started from a kitchen stove. Authorities have said the cause cannot be established until the investigation is complete.
Investigation and Safety Failures
Fire Service and Civil Defence Director General Brigadier General Sultanul Afrin Junaid said the resort had no fire-safety licence. A five-member committee headed by the Additional District Magistrate has been formed to find the cause and assess the damage.
What Comes Next
The committee will need to identify how the fire spread and who is responsible for the missing licence. Families are also waiting for DNA results to confirm identities.
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