Six Bangladeshis killed in South Africa shop fire

Six Bangladeshi nationals were killed and another critically injured after a fire broke out at a shop near Queenstown in South Africa's Eastern Cape province early yesterday.

The identities of five victims have been confirmed as Md Faisal, 25, Md Fahim, 28, Shamim Hasan, 30, Mohammad Apon, 24, and Rajik Bepari, 52.

Rowshon Ali, a member of Alirtek Union Parishad in Narayanganj Sadar, said four of the deceased were from his union, one was from neighbouring Baktaboli Union, and another was from Rikabibazar in Munshiganj.

"All of them were relatives. We are deeply saddened by the news," Rowshon said over the phone.

According to local sources, seven Bangladeshis were asleep in living quarters inside the shop when the fire broke out. Six died at the scene, while the lone survivor was admitted to Queenstown Hospital in critical condition.

Rajik's family said he had travelled to South Africa about two-and-a-half months ago and had been working at the shop.

"My brother went abroad to support his family. We heard about the fire this morning and later found out he was among those killed. He leaves behind his pregnant wife and three daughters," his sister Fatema said through tears.

In a Facebook post, the Bangladesh High Commission in Pretoria expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and wished the injured Bangladeshi a speedy recovery.

The mission said High Commissioner Shah Ahmed Shafi is scheduled to visit Tsomo near Queenstown to inspect the scene, gather information about the victims and the injured survivor, and meet local authorities and senior South African police officials.

It said the High Commission would continue working with the local administration to ensure all possible assistance for the affected Bangladeshis.

SM Foyez Uddin, upazila nirbahi officer of Narayanganj Sadar, said the administration had learned of the incident and was gathering further details.