Huge blaze kills 49 in Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka

A fire that broke out in a building in an old part of Bangladeshi capital Dhaka has killed at least 49 people.

Bangladeshi firefighters and locals try to extinguish fire at Chawk bazar's Churihatta area, Old Dhaka. Source: EPA

A huge fire that broke out in a building in an old part of Bangladeshi capital Dhaka has killed 49 people, with the death toll still climbing.

The blaze broke out on Wednesday and spread to other nearby buildings. Fire fighters fought for more than five hours to bring it under control, although it was still burning early on Thursday.

At least 16 people received burn injuries and 48 others were injured in a fire that broke out at a residential area. Source: EPA

It remains out of control. Rescue officials say at least 49 people have died.

It was not immediately clear what caused the fire at the building in the centuries-old Chawkbazar area of Dhaka.

Building safety regulations are rarely followed in impoverished Bangladesh, where accidents kill hundreds every year.

The 2013 Rana Plaza factory collapse killed more than 1,100 garment workers.

Emergency services at the scene of the blaze. Source: EPA