7 injured in Sweeper Colony fire

Two children were among seven people who suffered burn injuries in a fire at an illegal slum under the Mayor Hanif Flyover near the Sweeper Colony in Dhaka's Wari early yesterday.

They were rushed to Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery and the burn unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital with up to 10 percent burns, said hospital sources. 

At least 40 shanties were burnt after the fire broke out at the slum near Joy Kali Temple around 3:15am.

Seven fire engines doused the blaze around 6:45am, said Rakibul Hasan, duty officer of Fire Service and Civil Defence control room. 

The cause of the fire could not be known.

Fire officials the slum should be demolished as it threatens the safety of the flyover.