Death toll in Bangladesh’s industrial disaster exceeds 1000

The death toll from the collapsed Rana Plaza, the worst industrial disaster in Bangladesh’s history, has reached more than 1000. Previously, the reported deaths were at 953. There is no accurate data on the number of people listed missing.
“The death toll now stands at 1006” as the recovery efforts entered its 17th day with cranes, bulldozers and excavators digging the site.

According to the authorities most of the corpses are badly decomposed but could still be identified through personal items in their pockets or factory identity cards around their necks. Most were female garment workers.

DNA samples from the bodies have also been taken for future compensation claims.
At least 2437 people have been rescued from the collapsed building that contained five garment factories.
Around 1000 suffered serious injuries.

The eight-storey building Rana Plaza collapsed on April 24. Apparently, there were visible cracks in the complex before the incident, causing panic among the employees of factories and retail outlets, however, the management had convinced them to return to their work places, RIA reported.