16 hurt in stampede

At least 16 workers were injured in a stampede as sparks from a sewing machine triggered panic at a garment factory in Jamgora, Ashulia yesterday.
Fire service officials of Export Processing Zone, Dhaka said on information, they rushed to Sams Attire Ltd around 4:30pm where panic-stricken workers fell victim to stampede fearing fire at the facility.
No tress of fire had been detected in the factory, they said.
The fire officials claimed that five workers, who had been working on the second and third floor, received injuries while climbing down the stairs hurriedly.
Local sources, however, said many injured workers received treatment at local hospitals.
Sixteen workers received treatment at Shin-Shin Japan Hospital in Ashulia, confirmed sources at the hospital, adding that four of them remained admitted.
Despite repeated attempts The Daily Star could not reach the factory authorities for their comment.