Tragic Apparel Factory Inferno in the South Asian nation Has Taken at Least 16 Fatalities

No fewer than 16 individuals have perished after a huge fire broke out at a apparel factory in Bangladesh, with authorities warning that the fatality count could increase.

A total of sixteen bodies have been recovered but were charred beyond recognition, the fire service said.

Grief-stricken relatives assembled outside the multi-story factory in the Mirpur district of Dhaka on that day in seeking their loved ones still not found.

The inferno, which erupted at the factory around noon, was brought under control after several hours. But an adjacent chemical warehouse kept burning, authorities confirmed.

Until 21:00 local time (15:00 GMT) that day, the fire at the chemical warehouse had not been completely doused, journalistic accounts reported.

Emergency responders have not ascertained which of the two buildings ignited initially.

Based on witnesses, the chemical warehouse contained bleaching powder, plastic and industrial peroxide, all of which can intensify fires. Plastic also releases toxic fumes when combusted.

Security personnel are still searching for the owners of the factory and the warehouse, fire department chief Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury briefed reporters.

An investigation on whether the warehouse was running according to regulations is also currently underway, he added.

Tearful family members gathered outside the fire-damaged buildings, many of them clutching photographs of their unaccounted for relatives.

Present at the scene is a man seeking urgently for his daughter, his family member.

"When I was informed of the fire, I hurried to the scene. But I still haven't found her... I just want my daughter back," he told journalists.

The devastating event has another time highlighted the security issues facing Bangladesh's apparel manufacturing, which engages millions of workers and is a major contributor to export earnings for the nation.