A devastating fire at a sofa manufacturing facility in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has claimed the lives of at least 16 Bangladeshi expatriates. The Bangladeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the tragedy, which occurred on Sunday, August 9, in the Musa Sanaia industrial area.
Following the incident, embassy officials were dispatched to the site to gather information and coordinate with local Saudi authorities. The diplomatic mission is currently engaged in the identification process and is working to finalize all necessary legal formalities. Officials have confirmed they are in direct contact with the victims’ families to provide support and ensure that the repatriation of the deceased is carried out in accordance with government instructions and the families’ consent.
In an official statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep condolences on behalf of the Foreign Minister and the Foreign Secretary, offering heartfelt sympathy to the grieving families. The ministry emphasized that it is continuously monitoring the situation and providing necessary assistance to those affected by the disaster.
This incident follows other notable tragedies involving expatriates in the Kingdom. For instance, on November 16 of last year, 45 Indian pilgrims lost their lives in a catastrophic bus crash. That group was traveling from Makkah to Madinah when their vehicle collided with an oil tanker approximately 25 kilometers outside of Madinah, triggering an explosion that consumed the bus within minutes.
Soon after the tragic incident took place, embassy officials rushed to the site and began collecting information.
Last year, 45 Indian pilgrims died in the country after being involved in a deadly bus crash on November 16.
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Laraib Anwer is a Digital Journalist who loves the thrill of breaking headlines almost as much as she does unapologetically using GenZ slang.
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Source: Khaleej Times
