16 Bangladeshi nationals killed in Riyadh sofa factory fire
At least 16 Bangladeshi nationals were killed in a fire at a sofa factory in the Musa Sanaiya area of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia , Bangladesh’s ministry of foreign affairs said on Monday.
In a statement, the ministry expressed its “heartfelt condolences” over the incident, which took place on Sunday, and assured the families of the deceased of its full support and solidarity during the difficult period of loss. “The Honourable Foreign Minister and Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs have expressed deep grief and heartfelt condolences over the tragic loss of 16 Bangladeshi nationals in a devastating fire at a sofa factory in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, yesterday,” the statement read. The ministry said officials from the Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh reached the scene after receiving information about the incident and were coordinating with Saudi authorities to identify the victims and complete the necessary formalities for repatriating the bodies. The embassy said it was also working to gather detailed information about the incident and provide assistance to those affected.
The ministry expressed deep grief over the deaths and offered condolences to the victims’ families.
The fire reportedly broke out at around 3:30 pm (local time) on Sunday at a sofa factory in Khordam city, Riyadh, before spreading rapidly.
“They extended their profound sympathy to the bereaved family members of the deceased Bangladeshi nationals and assured them of standing by their side during this irreparable loss and time of sorrow,” it added.