Fire kills 2 in Gaibandha

A fire at Komarpur Bazar on Bogra-Rangpur highway in Gobindaganj upazila yesterday left two people dead, five injured and at least 10 shops gutted.
According to Gaibandha fire brigade and Gobindaganj police sources, the fire originated at a shop in Komarpur Bazar, 15km from Gobindaganj, around 10:15am and spread to adjacent shops. Within half-an-hour the blaze reduced at least 10 shops to ashes.
Two salesmen Jahidul Huq, 28, and Ashraful Huq, 30, sustained severe injuries and died on their way to Gobindaganj Health Complex. Besides, five others received burn injuries and were admitted to the health complex. The condition of one was stated to be critical.
Being called, fire engines from Gaibandha rushed to the spot in an hour and brought the fire under control.
As fire engines from Gaibandha took a little time in reaching the spot, locals became angry and vandalised a fish-laden truck.
Fire officials initially estimated that the fire caused a loss of Tk 30 lakh.
There are no fire stations in any upazila headquarters of Gaibandha district. Firemen provide service from the district headquarters.
Police said stocks of petrol and diesel at retail shops there might have caused the fire become so deadly.