Gazipur, Feb 25 (UNB) – At least 21 workers were burnt to death or perished in suffocation in a devastating fire that engulfed Garib & Garib Sweater Factory at Bhogra on Thursday night.

More than 50 others were injured in the fire, believed to have originated at about 8-45pm from electric short circuit.

Assistant Police Super Aakhteruzzaman confirmed the death of 21 workers, mostly females.

The bodies of the victims were lying in were lying in Gazipur Sadar and Tongi Hospitals.

Witnesses said the fire started from the Swing Section of on the first floor of the 7-storied building that housed the major sweater factory.

Workers of the Swing Section managed to come out. But those in the 3rd and sixth floor have fallen victim of the devastating smoke and blaze of the fire.

Five units of firefighters rushed to the spot and frantically tried to douse the flame. They managed to put down the flame at midnight.

It could not be ascertained how many workers and employees were in the factory when the tragic fire incident took place.

Majeda (30), Zarina (45), Farida (25), Shahinoor (32), Rawshanara (40), Shahara (32) and Mojida (35) are among those dead. Others could not be identified immediately.

The wounded were rushed to the Gazipur district hospital, Tongi hospital and local clinics.