The Rana Plaza Collapse: A Tragedy that Changed the Fashion Industry
A Deadly Event
On April 24, 2013, the eight-story Rana Plaza commercial building in Savar, Bangladesh, collapsed, killing 1,134 people and injuring over 2,500. The incident became known as the Rana Plaza collapse and is considered one of the deadliest industrial disasters in history.
Causes of the Collapse
The collapse was attributed to structural failures caused by the addition of extra floors on top of the original building without proper reinforcements. The building also housed several garment factories, which used heavy machinery that placed additional strain on the structure. Cracks had been noticed in the building prior to the collapse, but warnings were ignored.
Aftermath and Impact
The Rana Plaza collapse had a profound impact on the fashion industry. It exposed the dangerous working conditions and safety violations in Bangladesh's garment industry, which supplies clothing to major brands worldwide. As a result, there was increased pressure on brands to take responsibility for their supply chains and ensure the safety of workers.
Conclusion
The Rana Plaza collapse remains a stark reminder of the human cost associated with the pursuit of low-cost fashion. The tragedy led to significant changes in the industry, including increased transparency in supply chains, improved safety standards, and a growing awareness of the importance of ethical sourcing. The legacy of Rana Plaza serves as a call to action for businesses to prioritize worker well-being and ensure that preventable tragedies like this do not happen again.
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