Six Bangladeshis Killed in South Africa Fire

Six Bangladeshi nationals were killed and another was injured in a devastating fire that broke out at a superstore near Queenstown in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province early Tuesday.

The deceased were identified as Md Fahim (29), Md Apon (23), Nur Mohammad (55), Md Faisal (26), Md Shahin (30), and Md Rajik (55), local media reports quoting family sources.

Relatives, citing Bangladeshi community members in South Africa, said a devastating fire broke out at a superstore in the labor area of Queenstown early Tuesday morning local time.

The Bangladeshis who were inside the building reportedly failed to escape the blaze, leaving six people dead on the spot, while another injured survivor was admitted to Queenstown Hospital for treatment, they added.

Meanwhile, SM Faiz Uddin, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Narayanganj Sadar Upazila, told media that six Bangladeshis died in the fire incident.

Five of them were from Narayanganj, and one was from Munshiganj, he added.

However, the Bangladesh High Commission in Pretoria expressed deep shock and sorrow over the deaths of six Bangladeshi nationals and the injury of another in the fire incident.

The mission prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls, conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and wished a speedy recovery to the injured Bangladeshi national, according to press statement citied by local media.  

The statement said Bangladesh High Commissioner to South Africa Shah Ahmed Shafi was scheduled to visit Tsomo town on Tuesday.

During the visit, he will inspect the site of the incident, inquire about the condition of the injured victim, and meet with the families and community members affected by the tragedy.

Shafi will also hold formal meetings with officials of the local administration and the South African Police.

The discussions will focus on the latest developments, progress of the investigation, support for the affected Bangladeshis, and the necessary steps to address the aftermath of the incident.

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