Tawhidul Islam, Cox’s Bazar

The death toll from a devastating fire at the Toptop Restaurant and Resort in the Patuartek sea beach area of Inani, Cox's Bazar, has risen to 10. The tragic incident took place on Saturday morning (October 17), completely reducing the resort to ashes.

According to the Fire Service and local administration, the fire broke out around 7:00 AM at the resort located near the Marine Drive in the Patuartek area. Upon receiving the news, three units of the fire service rushed to the spot and brought the blaze under control by 10:00 AM. Subsequent search and rescue operations led to the recovery of 10 bodies. Six others were injured in the incident.

Around 1:50 PM, Sayed Morshed Hossain, Deputy Assistant Director of Cox's Bazar Fire Service, confirmed the recovery of four more bodies. He stated that out of the 10 victims, the identities of seven have been confirmed, while the identities of the remaining three are yet to be ascertained.

Identified victims are : Israt Jahan Maliha (30), Bonosree, Dhaka, Milita Mehezabin Alvi (23), Bonosree, Dhaka, Layla Jahan Nabila (27), Khilgaon, Dhaka, Nafista Mim (27), Khilgaon, Dhaka, Fariha Kabir (33), Chuadanga, Fayizan Ahmed (5), Chuadanga and Nasrin Aktar Mukta (28), Ashulia

The six injured include Dr. Shihab Uddin (31) of Mugda Medical College Hospital, his wife Nafiza Newaz Khan (29), Mannan (34), Meherunnessa (30), Masud (30), and Samida (32). They were taken to the Cox's Bazar District Sadar Hospital for treatment.

Visiting the scene, Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner Md. A. Mannan said that rescue operations led by the fire service are ongoing and proper medical care has been ensured for the injured. However, the administration could not immediately determine the exact cause of the fire.

Meanwhile, Md. Abul Kalam Azad, Special Superintendent of Police for CID in Cox's Bazar, expressed apprehension that the death toll might rise further, as some tourists were reportedly trapped in certain rooms of the resort. Resort management personnel were reportedly absent from the scene following the incident.