According to international press reports, a total of 51 people have been killed and more than 100 hurt after a fire swept through KTS Composite Textile Factory in southern Bangladesh, which was crowded with night-shift workers. Forty-five of the workers were believed to be women.

The fire broke out on Thursday night at the factory in the southern city of Chittagong. Local fire chief Rashedul Islam said firefighters had found the main entrance to the factory locked and had to force entry to rescue the workers.

It was believed the fire was started by a short circuit, and it spread through the building rapidly due to the stacks of yarn that was lying on the floors.