16 Bangladeshi Workers Killed in Massive Fire at Sofa Factory in Riyadh

Darwin, August 10:  Sixteen Bangladeshi workers have died in a devastating fire at a sofa factory in the Musa Sanaya area of Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. The fire broke out around noon on Sunday (August 9), local time.

According to reports, 17 Bangladeshi workers were employed at the factory. Of them, 16 died—some from severe burns and others from suffocation caused by smoke inhalation. The only survivor, Habibur Rahman, was not at the factory when the fire broke out as he had gone to a salon to get a shave.

Among the deceased, 13 were from Atrai Upazila of Naogaon district. Two others were from Natore, while another was from Bagmara Upazila of Rajshahi district.

Although the fire broke out around noon, it was brought under control at around 8:00 pm with the assistance of the fire service and local administration.

The bodies were recovered and taken to the morgue at King Saud Hospital at around 11:00 pm. Bangladesh Embassy officials, including the Labour Counsellor and other senior officials, were present at the hospital.

Meanwhile, following the deaths, the Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh issued a statement saying:

“We are deeply saddened to learn that several Bangladeshi expatriates have been killed or injured in a tragic fire in the Musa Sanaya area of Riyadh. As soon as the embassy received the news, a delegation from the Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh promptly reached the scene and began collecting detailed information about the incident.

The embassy is taking all necessary measures to confirm the identities of the deceased, complete the required legal procedures, and provide comprehensive assistance to those affected under the direction of the higher authorities of the government.”