The death toll from the fire and subsequent explosions at BM Container Depot in Chattogram's Sitakunda upazila has risen to 44, with 12 of the victims being fire service personnel.

Anisur Rahman, deputy director of Fire Service and Civil Defense in Chattogram division, made the remark at a press briefing today, reports our staff correspondent.

He said that nine of the twelve deceased firefighters had been identified.

More than hundred containers out of 4,313 at BM Container Depot have been damaged. Quoting the owner, he said that there were 27 containers that had chemicals, 15 of which were completely damaged. The remaining containers were moved to a secure location. 

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He further said that the owner did not inform the fire service about the chemical containers. "We would have taken precautions if that had been the case," he said.

"At this time, the exact number of people killed in this incident cannot be confirmed. We're still searching for bodies," he said.

Kumira fire service responded to the call on the night of the incident and found two containers on fire. Multiple explosions occurred while attempting to put out the fire.

Members of the fire service, army, and police are currently working together. The fire department has formed a five-member investigation committee. There are six firefighting units on the scene, he added.