At least 10 people were killed and several others injured when a fire swept through a beach resort in Cox’s Bazar early on Saturday morning, destroying the wooden building within hours and exposing a string of fire-safety failures at one of Bangladesh’s most popular tourist destinations.
The blaze broke out at around 7:00 am at the Tuptup Resto and Resort in the Inani area, near Patuartek beach along the Marine Drive, Fire Service and Civil Defence officials said. The multi-storey structure, built largely of bamboo and timber, was completely gutted before firefighters brought the flames under control at about 11:00 am. Rescue workers recovered ten bodies from the debris, and officials feared the death toll could rise as the search continued. A five-year-old child was among the dead, and local reports said several victims belonged to a single visiting family.
FAKTA: Key facts about the Cox’s Bazar resort fire
- What: Fire destroyed the Tuptup Resto and Resort in Inani, Cox’s Bazar
- When: Saturday, 17 October 2026, around 6:30–7:00 am local time
- Casualties: At least 10 killed, including a five-year-old child; several injured
- Safety record: No fire safety licence; inspected and formally warned in June 2026
- Suspected cause: A suspected LPG cylinder explosion in the resort’s restaurant (under investigation)
- Response: Five-member investigation committee formed; resort manager detained
What we know about the Cox’s Bazar resort fire
Nearly 30 guests were staying at the resort when the fire began, according to Fire Service officials. Only a handful managed to escape. Three fire units took about four hours to bring the blaze fully under control. The injured were taken to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital, where several were treated for burns.
Preliminary reports pointed to an explosion of an LPG gas cylinder used in the resort’s restaurant as the likely source, though officials stressed the cause had not been confirmed. The investigation committee, headed by the additional district magistrate, will establish how the fire started, how it spread so fast, and whether guests had any safe means of escape.
Warnings ignored, licence missing
The tragedy has drawn attention to a disturbing record. Fire Service and Civil Defence Director General Brigadier General Sultanul Afreen Zunaid said the resort had been inspected in June and warned about fire risks, with a formal notice issued — yet it kept operating without a licence. Police detained the resort manager, Mohammad Suman, as part of the inquiry.
The minister in charge ordered a full investigation and called for stronger fire-safety arrangements at tourist establishments nationwide, including special training for resort staff. The incident is the latest in a series of resort fires in the district, raising urgent questions about enforcement of safety rules at Bangladesh’s seaside holiday spots.
Watan News continues to follow this story and other major developments across the region. Find more of our English-language coverage here.
