A significant blaze has swept through an international airport, leading to the suspension of all flights. Dramatic visuals depict firefighters combatting massive flames amid thick black smoke engulfing Hazrat Shahjalal Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, which ignited at approximately 2:15 pm local time today. The fire originated in a cargo hold near Gate 8 and rapidly spread.
Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene, with 36 fire crews presently stationed at the airport’s cargo terminal. The disruption has caused flight diversions, cancellations, and delays, while the exact cause of the fire remains undisclosed.
Flight operations are set to resume at 9:00 pm local time after authorities declared the fire is now contained. The civil aviation and tourism ministry asserted in a statement that any potential sabotage or arson would be met with a prompt and determined reaction.
Authorities are conducting investigations at the airport to determine the fire’s source. Passengers have been stranded at the airport, with over a dozen flights delayed and at least five flights redirected to nearby airfields.
Witnesses at the airport captured scenes of large crowds anxiously awaiting updates, as the terminal remained closed to all but passengers. One traveler, Hussain Ali, expressed concerns about managing luggage and uncertainties about the flight’s departure and waiting duration.
This incident is one of several recent fires, including two others at clothing and chemical factories, raising suspicions of deliberate arson. Authorities have acknowledged public unease and reassured citizens of thorough investigations into each fire incident to safeguard lives and property.
Authorities emphasized a commitment to swiftly and decisively address any credible evidence of sabotage or arson. They cautioned against succumbing to fear and division, emphasizing the importance of maintaining composure and resolve in the face of such incidents.