DHAKA — 2010 · Major Tragedy

Nimtali Fire

ClosedSources: ALast updated: 14 October 2026

On the night of 3 June 2010, a fire that began with an electrical transformer explosion in the densely populated Nimtali area of Old Dhaka spread rapidly to several residential buildings, fed by chemicals and flammable goods stored in shops along the narrow lanes. Many people were trapped in one building where a wedding was being prepared. The blaze lasted more than three hours, killing at least 124 people and injuring over 100; most deaths were reportedly from smoke inhalation. The narrow streets made it difficult for fire engines to reach the scene. Afterwards it was decided to relocate chemical stores from residential areas, but local media reported years later that this had not been fully carried out and that no one had been prosecuted.

Date: 2010
Place: Nimtali, Old Dhaka, Bangladesh, Dhaka, BD
Category: Major Tragedy
Case Status: Closed
Coordinates: 23.7180, 90.4000 ↗

Timeline of Events

3 June 2010A fire starting with a transformer explosion spread through Nimtali.
4 June 2010Rescue operations ended; the toll reached 124.

LaterRelocation of chemical stores from residential areas was ordered.
2021Local media reported that eleven years on no one had been tried.

Sources

Source grade A: several independent sources, at least one an official record or reference work. If you spot a mistake or something missing, report it with "Suggest a correction" in the app.