10 Disasters Caused By Human Error

8. Bangladesh Building Collapse

The deadliest garment factory incident, as well as the deadliest accidental structural failure occurred on 24 April 2013 when Rana Plaza, an eight storey building collapsed in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The building housed multiple garment factories, as well as a bank and offices. On the 23rd, the building was evacuated because reporters found cracks in the foundation. Workers in the factories were forced to return the next day or risk loss of pay. When the power was cut to the building, a generator was started and workers went back to making clothes for Benetton, Primark, Mango and Walmart. The building collapsed at 8:57am. The search for the living and dead lasted three weeks and 1,129 were found deceased. There have been many other building tragedies in Bangladesh over the years, but the Dhaka building collapse brought the issue of forced labour and poor working conditions to the forefront of human consciousness. The owner of the building was arrested, given bail, but is still in jail pending other charges. A compensation fund was founded for families of the victims, with only seven of the 28 manufacturers sourcing from Rana Plaza having contributed. Clearly, guilt doesn€™t keep the fashion industry awake at night.
 
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Hailing from the sandiest of Southern states, Susan enjoys horror films and comic books. She writes many things, but mostly wrongs.