A fresh wave of panic has gripped tourists in Cox's Bazar following a fire incident at a prominent hotel, just a week after a tragic blaze claimed ten lives at a resort along the Marine Drive. The latest fire broke out on Friday afternoon in the parking area of The Sea Princess hotel, situated near the popular Sugandha beach point in the coastal city.
At the time of the incident, nearly 300 tourists were staying in more than a hundred rooms across the nine-story hotel. Thick black smoke billowing from the ground floor sparked immediate panic among guests and staff members. Fearing for their safety, the panicked holidaymakers rushed out of their rooms and sought refuge on the nearby open beach, escaping a potentially dangerous situation amid a chaotic weekend atmosphere.
Prompt action by the local fire service prevented a major disaster. Upon receiving the emergency call, a firefighting unit rushed to the scene within minutes. Thanks to the combined efforts of the firefighters and the hotel's management, the blaze was brought completely under control in about half an hour. Initial investigations by the fire department suggest that an electrical short circuit in the parking area's generator triggered the flames.
Fortunately, because the fire was contained swiftly, it did not spread to the upper residential floors, averting any casualties or serious injuries. While the parking area and the generator suffered material damage, normalcy was eventually restored. However, the recurring incidents of fire in hospitality establishments have raised serious safety concerns among tourists and industry stakeholders alike, especially in the wake of the recent fatal resort fire.
Local authorities and tourism groups have emphasized the urgent need for strict enforcement of fire safety regulations, regular electrical audits, and proper emergency preparedness in all hotels and resorts across the coastal hub to ensure the absolute safety of visitors.
