A fire broke out during a cultural event at the capital’s Manik Miah Avenue on Tuesday (5 August) in observance of ‘36 July Celebration’, leaving at least 10 people injured.

The incident happened at 2:17pm when a short circuit in the wiring of a speaker next to the stage sparked flames, which quickly spread to nearby balloons, triggering panic among the attendees.

Following the fire, the event organisers urged visitors to remain calm. 

However, organisers and volunteers rushed to the spot and swiftly brought the situation under control. 

The injured were immediately taken from the stage area to hospital for treatment.

The identities of the injured were not known immediately.

Duty Officer Rafi Al Faruq of the Fire Service and Civil Defence Headquarters told Banglanews that the fire began in the balloons placed in front of the stage during the event marking the July Uprising Day. 

“However, the fire was put out quickly. We did not need to extinguish it ourselves. Multiple teams of ours are present at the scene,” he said.

MSK/