16 Bangladeshis killed in sofa factory fire in Saudi Arabia

Sixteen people died on the spot in a massive fire at a sofa manufacturing factory in the Musa Sanaiya Industrial Area under Shifa Police Station in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 

Citing eyewitnesses, Counselor (Labor) of the Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh, Mohammad Rezae Rabbi, said that all the deceased were Bangladeshis.

The Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment confirmed this information on Sunday night. 

Mohammad Rezae Rabbi said that 16 people died on the spot in a massive fire that broke out at a sofa-making factory in the Musa Sanaiya industrial area under Shifa police station in Riyadh at around 2 pm on Sunday, confirmed rescue workers from the fire service working there. Local witnesses to the incident said that all the deceased were Bangladeshis. The local fire service is still conducting rescue operations. The bodies were burnt in the fire, making it difficult to identify them.

The Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh expressed deep shock over the incident. Embassy officials are reportedly at the scene and are in contact with local Saudi authorities to identify the deceased. 

Earlier, the Ministry of Expatriate Welfare said in a condolence message on Sunday night that Expatriate Welfare Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury expressed deep shock and sorrow over the tragic death of expatriate Bangladeshi workers in a terrible fire at a sofa factory in Saudi Arabia.

In his condolence message, the minister said, "The untimely and tragic death of our expatriate brothers working in distant Saudi Arabia for their livelihood is very heartbreaking. Their contribution to the country's economy is immense. I am deeply saddened by their sudden demise and express my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members of the deceased."

He said that the Bangladesh Embassy in Saudi Arabia is in constant contact with the accident site and local authorities. The concerned officials have been instructed to quickly repatriate the bodies of the deceased expatriate brothers and ensure all necessary government assistance and compensation for their families.

The Minister of Expatriate Welfare prayed for the forgiveness of the souls of the deceased and prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the bereaved families the strength to bear this immense pain.