RIYADH: A major fire at a sofa manufacturing factory in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, has killed 16 people, all reportedly Bangladeshi nationals.
The fire broke out on Sunday afternoon at a factory in the Musa Sanaya industrial area, within the jurisdiction of the Shifa Police Station.
Fire Breaks Out at Sofa Factory
According to sources, the fire started at around 2pm local time on Sunday.
Emergency teams from the Riyadh Fire Service reached the site shortly after receiving the alert and began rescue and firefighting operations.
The intensity of the blaze reportedly caused severe damage to the victims, making identification of the deceased difficult.
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Firefighters and other emergency personnel continued operations at the site following the incident.
All 16 Victims Reportedly Bangladeshi
The Bangladeshi Embassy in Riyadh said its officials were in contact with Saudi authorities following the tragedy.
The embassy’s counsellor reportedly confirmed, citing eyewitnesses, that all 16 victims were Bangladeshi citizens.
Bangladesh’s Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment also confirmed the death toll at 16.
Victims Came From Two Bangladeshi Districts
According to sources, 10 of the deceased were from Naogaon district, while six were reportedly from the Naldanga area of Natore district.
The victims were working at the furniture manufacturing facility when the fire broke out.
Local eyewitnesses said the blaze was extremely intense, leaving the victims severely burned.
As a result, authorities are facing difficulties in confirming the identities of some of those who died.
Bangladeshi Embassy in Contact With Saudi Authorities
The Bangladeshi Embassy in Riyadh expressed deep sorrow over the deaths.
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Diplomatic officials are reportedly present at the scene and are coordinating closely with Saudi authorities.
The embassy is assisting with the identification of the victims and other necessary procedures following the tragedy.
Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the fire and determine whether any safety violations contributed to the deadly incident.
The tragedy has also raised fresh concerns about workplace safety and emergency preparedness for migrant workers employed in industrial facilities in Saudi Arabia.
