A tragic incident unfolded in Bangladesh's capital on Tuesday when a rooftop railing collapsed during an earthquake, claiming three lives and leaving ten others injured in the densely populated area of Old Dhaka.
The Deadly Collapse
The disaster occurred around 2:51 PM local time when a 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck the region, causing the concrete railing of a four-story building to give way in the Chawkbazar area. The collapse happened at a residential building known as Maa Manzil, where people had gathered on the rooftop when the tremors began.
According to fire service officials, the victims were standing near the railing when the earthquake hit. Three individuals died instantly after falling from the height, while ten others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for emergency treatment.
Emergency Response and Rescue Operations
Fire service and civil defense units responded immediately to the scene, with multiple teams working to rescue trapped individuals and provide medical assistance. Seven firefighting units were deployed to manage the situation and ensure no one remained trapped under the debris.
Local police confirmed that the injured were transported to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where medical staff reported that most victims suffered from fractures and head injuries. Hospital authorities stated that among the ten injured, three were in critical condition and required intensive care.
Seismic Activity and Regional Impact
The earthquake that triggered this tragedy was centered in Bangladesh at a depth of 10 kilometers, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department. The tremors were felt across a wide area, including neighboring Indian states, though no significant damage was reported outside of the Dhaka incident.
This event highlights the ongoing seismic vulnerability of the region and raises concerns about building safety standards in older parts of Dhaka, where structures may not meet current earthquake resistance requirements.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident while continuing to monitor the situation for any potential aftershocks that could further endanger the area.
