Bangladesh Quake Kills 6, Injures 200; 10-Story Building Tilts, Cricket Match Halted

Panic at Gazipur factory leads to stampede as workers flee multi-story building, injuring over 150.

A 5.7 magnitude earthquake hit Bangladesh today (November 21) at 10:08 AM. Sadly, six people died and over 200 were injured during the incident. The epicenter was in Madhabadi, Narsingdi, just 25 km from Dhaka. The tremors were strong enough to cause a ten-story building to tilt to one side. Officials even had to pause the ongoing Bangladesh-Ireland international cricket match. Police have confirmed three deaths so far. This event recalls the massive 1762 ‘Great Arakan Earthquake’. That historic quake measured 8.5 and caused massive damage across the region.

Stampede in Textile Factory After Quake

A major accident occurred in Sreepur, Gazipur during the intense shaking. Terrified workers tried escaping a building, causing a chaotic stampede. This chaos injured over 150 workers at the Denimech textile factory. Rescuers rushed the injured to the Sreepur Upazila Health Complex. Workers claimed officials refused to open the main gate after the quake. This refusal increased panic and caused significantly more injuries among the staff.

10-Month-Old Girl Dies in Quake

A wall collapsed in Rupganj, Narayanganj, killing a baby girl this morning. Her mother and a neighbor suffered injuries during the collapse. They are currently receiving treatment at a private medical college hospital in Upazila. The mother told The Daily Star, “As soon as the jolt was felt, the mother ran out with her daughter. While going to her mother’s house nearby, a roadside wall suddenly collapsed on them.” A police officer stated the child died instantly.

Kolkata Feels Tremors for 20 Seconds

People in Kolkata felt tremors shortly after the Bangladesh earthquake struck. Locals reported that the shaking lasted for about 20 seconds. The intensity recorded was 5.2 on the Richter scale in this area. Fortunately, there are no reports of damage there yet. Tremors also reached Cooch Behar, South Dinajpur, Malda, and Nadia. Reports confirm the quake originated in Bangladesh.