On Saturday afternoon, Fire Service Media Official Talha Bin Jashim confirmed that the death toll had reached 10. Cox's Bazar Superintendent of Police A M M Sajidur Rahman stated that a family of nine had visited the area, of whom three are safe while other family members remain missing. He added that the information is currently being verified.
The Superintendent of Police further stated that the identities of the recovered remains can only be confirmed following DNA testing. Information received regarding the missing persons is also being verified.
Among the six missing individuals are Israt Jahan Maliha (30) and Milita Mehejabin Alvi (23) from Bonosree in Dhaka; Laila Jahan Nabila (27) and Nafista Mim (27) from Khilgaon; and Fariha Kabir (33) and five-year-old Fayizan Ahmed from Chuadanga.
Meanwhile, nine people injured in the fire have been admitted to Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital. They include Sayanul Mannan (35), his wife Fahmida (31), Masud (30), his wife Meherunnesa (30), doctor Shihab Uddin Sadi (31), doctor Nafiza Nawar Khan (29), Ashik (28), Airin, and Ima.
Resident Medical Officer of the hospital, Sobuktagin Mahmud Sohel, stated that five of the injured suffered burns, with approximately 5 percent of their bodies burned. All five are receiving treatment while admitted to the hospital.
Ukhiya Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Atikul Rahman Majumdar stated that the fire broke out at around 6:30 AM on Saturday at the resort located in the Patuartek sea beach area of Marine Drive. The resort is situated about 29 kilometers away from Kalatali in Cox's Bazar town. As the fire spread rapidly, the entire building was eventually burned down.
Cox's Bazar Fire Service Deputy Assistant Director Syed Muhammad Morshed Hossain said that all three floors of the resort were made of wood, and the entire structure was reduced to ashes by the fire.
District Commissioner A. Mannan stated that the administration has so far reported the recovery of six bodies. Arrangements will be made to collect DNA samples from the bodies and hand them over to relatives, and efforts are ongoing to contact those who were staying at the resort.
On the other hand, the origin of the fire has not yet been confirmed. Although it is suspected that the fire may have originated from the resort's kitchen, nothing can be confirmed until the investigation is concluded.
The District Commissioner stated that a four- to five-member investigation committee, headed by the Additional District Magistrate, will be formed to determine the cause of the fire. The committee will include representatives from the police, fire service, and the Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Ukhiya. Detailed information regarding the cause of the fire and related matters will be provided after receiving the investigation report.
