At least five individuals were injured in a fire that broke out in a multi-storey building in Comilla city.
The injured individuals were taken to Cumilla Medical College and Hospital for treatment.
The incident occurred when a generator parked in the building's parking area exploded at Ashoktola area in the city around 4:30 PM on Friday.
On information, two fire service units arrived at the scene at 5:00 PM and brought the fire under control.
Salauddin Ahmed, manager of Agrani Bank on the second floor of the building, said that the intense smoke caused damage to the bank's air conditioning units. Due to the power outage, the extent of damage is yet to be determined.
Ayer Hossain, area manager of 'Shopno' on the first floor of the building, mentioned that the fire started in the underground generator. The smoke spread to first and second floors. There is a coaching center above. Several students were injured in the rush to descend.
Kamalul Islam, a resident of the building, said that upon hearing the fire alarm, he and his family rushed out of the apartment in panic. The smoke made the entire area dark. Many people got injured in the rush to escape.
Cumilla Fire Service Assistant Director Iqbal Hossain said that two firefighters units brought the fire under control.
Efforts are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage is being assessed, added the Fire service official.
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