Rumour of Fire Kills 15 – Factory Fire

Short Version

Maya worked in a garment factory in Dhaka. One day, she was working as usual. Suddenly, someone said that the factory was on fire. The workers became very afraid and tried to leave the building quickly.

The factory had only one narrow exit. Everyone tried to get out at the same time. Some workers fell down, and many others stepped on them.

Soon, the factory authority used a loudspeaker and said, “There is no fire. The news is not true.” The workers slowly became calm.

But much harm had already happened. Fifteen workers died, and more than one hundred workers were badly hurt. Luckily, Maya was safe.

Everyone understood that the false news had caused the terrible accident. They learned not to believe or spread news without checking it first.

Moral: Never act on a rumour without checking the truth.

Expanded Version

Maya worked in a garment factory in Dhaka. Every day, many workers came to the factory and worked together in a large building.

One day, Maya was busy with her usual work when someone suddenly shouted that there was a fire in the factory. The news spread quickly from one worker to another.

Nobody stopped to check whether the news was true. The workers became frightened and rushed towards the exit.

The factory had only one narrow way out. Hundreds of workers tried to leave at the same time. People pushed one another in fear. Some workers lost their balance and fell to the floor. Others, unable to stop, stepped over them.

Maya was also frightened, but she managed to stay on her feet and move away from the most crowded area.

Soon, the factory authority used a loudspeaker. They announced, “There is no fire. The news is false. Please remain calm.”

Slowly, the workers stopped running. But the damage had already been done.

Fifteen workers died in the terrible rush, and more than one hundred workers were badly hurt. Maya was lucky to be safe.

Everyone was shocked that a false report had caused so much suffering. They understood that rumours can be extremely dangerous, especially in a crowded place.

The workers learned that news should be checked before people believe it or spread it to others.

Moral: Never act on a rumour without checking the truth.