Dozens killed in factory fire as workers jump out of windows to escape blaze

At least 52 people have been killed and 50 injured in a fire in Bangladesh, police say.

Bodies are being taken out as the food factory blaze continues to rage nearly 24 hours after it broke out on Thursday.

Many of the injured leapt for their lives from upper floors in the complex in the industrial town of Rupganj, near Dhaka.

Local reports suggest the fire quickly from the ground floor of the six-storey building due to the presence of chemicals and plastic bottles.

Bodies were seen being taken out by rescuers as the building continued to burn nearly 24 hours later on Friday.

Eighteen fire crews were struggling to douse the fire at the Hashem Foods and Beverage factory at 2.15pm.

Police and witnesses said the fire broke out at about 5pm local time on Thursday.

Fire service spokesman Debashish Bardhan said: “Once the fire is under control, we will conduct a search and rescue operation inside. Then we can confirm any further casualties, if any.”

Mohammad Saiful, a factory worker who escaped the fire, said there were dozens of people inside when the blaze began.

He said: “On the third floor, gates on both stairwells were closed. Other colleagues are saying there were 48 people inside. I don’t know what happened to them.”

Rescuers have recovered 49 bodies from the fourth floor of the building.

Many more are feared dead, said Fire Service Deputy Director (Dhaka) Debashish Vardhan.

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