Death toll from Bangladesh building collapse above 800
The death toll from a building collapse in Bangladesh surpassed 800 Wednesday, as salvage workers continued to pull bodies from the rubble two weeks after the disaster.
Many bodies were so badly decomposed that DNA samples were collected to identify them, the Associated Press reported.
The building just outside the capital, Dhaka, housed several garment factories and was full of workers when it collapsed April 24. Some workers said they were told to enter the building despite their concern about visible cracks.
PHOTOS: Bangladesh building collapse death toll tops 800
By Wednesday afternoon, the number of dead stood at 803, according to salvage officials quoted by the national news agency, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha.
The disaster spotlighted dismal working conditions in Bangladesh’s $20-billion apparel export industry.
The government has vowed to crack down. A number of people have been arrested since the collapse, including the building’s owner. The government also said it would inspect garment factories for building flaws.
Officials announced Wednesday that 18 plants have been shut down for failing to meet work and safety standards, news reports said.
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