The death toll from the fire at a chemical warehouse in Chawkbazar area of Old Dhaka rose to 70 this morning, according to Dhaka Medical College Hospital sources.

Over 50 were also injured in the fire that spread through the building last night. Of them, 41 were admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital till 7.30am. Among the injured 16 are in critical condition.

The fire that broke out at about 10.45pm yesterday at a chemical warehouse on the ground floor of the five-storey building-Hazi Wahed Mansion, said Ali Ahmed, director general of Fire Service and Civil Defence.

The fire quickly ripped through three other buildings nearby, including a community centre, he said, adding that thirty-seven units of firefighters from 13 fire stations brought the fire under control around 3am.

The reason behind the fire could not be known yet.

Health ministry asked the hospital for taking necessary steps to ensure the proper treatment of the victims.

Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has said all the fire victims will be compensated.