Fire at Inani resort in Cox's Bazar, five bodies recovered

Five people have died in a devastating fire at the Tuptup Resort in Inani, Ukhiya, Cox's Bazar. The fire, which broke out on Saturday (October 17) morning, caused extensive damage to the resort. Rescuers are continuing their search to confirm whether there are any further casualties.

The fire started around 7 am at the resort, located in the Patuartek beach area along the Marine Drive. Fire service personnel arrived after being alerted and began efforts to bring the blaze under control.

Dolon Acharjee, a senior fire service official, confirmed that five bodies had been recovered from the scene. The fire service initially believes the victims were tourists, though their identities could not be immediately determined.

Atiqur Rahman, officer-in-charge (OC) of Ukhiya Police Station, said there is a fear that multiple people have died in the fire. However, it will take more time to confirm exactly how many have died.

According to fire service sources, three units began working to contain the fire from 8 am. The blaze was brought under control around 10 am. A rescue operation then began inside the resort, with rescuers checking whether anyone else remains trapped.

The resort has suffered extensive damage in the fire. Meanwhile, resort authority personnel are reported to have left the premises after the incident. No details were immediately available on the cause of the fire, the actual extent of the damage or the resort's fire safety arrangements. Full information on the number of casualties may emerge once the rescue operation is complete.