A major fire erupted at a pharmaceutical factory in the Cherag Ali area of Tongi, Gazipur, on Wednesday morning, October 14. The Fire Service and Civil Defence received the report at about 10:15am, and firefighters reached the spot by 10:25am. The factory is operated by Essential Drugs, and the plant sits on Beximco Road. It is about 2km from Tongi Fire Station.
Firefighters Struggle To Contain The Blaze
Three units from Tongi Fire Station responded first. More units joined as the fire grew. By noon, 19 units were working at the site and two more were on their way, according to the Fire Service. A later report said Army and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel had joined the effort, bringing the total to 21 firefighting units. The fire was still not under control at 12pm.
Chemicals Add To The Danger
The blaze is raging in a six-storey factory building. Fire officials said chemicals used in making medicines have intensified the fire. The building also holds medicines, production machinery, chemicals and metal parts, all of which are at risk of damage.
No Casualties Reported So Far
There was no immediate report of any injury or death. Crowds gathered near the factory as news of the fire spread, which could slow the work of rescue teams. The Fire Service has not yet said what caused the fire or how much damage it has done. Officials said they will share these details later.
Not The First Fire In The Area
Tongi’s Cherag Ali area is home to many factories. In September 2023, a fire broke out at the chemical warehouse of another drug company there, with no casualties reported.
An investigation is expected once the fire is out. Updates on the cause, the damage and any casualties will follow as officials confirm them.
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