Rage, Stench of Death at Collapsed Factory in Bangladesh

With close to 400 people killed in the Bangladesh building collapse, it's being called the deadliest garment industry accident ever, the New York Times reports. Rescuers have saved some 2,500 people, but they doubt they'll get much further, leaving thousands of grief-stricken family members clutching only photos of their missing loved ones as the "overpowering" stench of death hangs in the air. "We are giving the highest priority to saving people, but there is little hope of finding anyone alive," says an army spokesman. With cranes taking on the rubble, authorities called on rescuers to leave last night, the BBC notes.

Protests continue to rage amid word that the building violated code and stayed open despite known structural problems. Today, paramilitary troops were sent to calm the demonstrations, which saw an ambulance set afire and cars smashed, Reuters reports. The country's leading opposition party has urged a national strike Thursday as concerns over the rescue emerge. Britain offered to help with the effort, but it was turned down, UK officials said. Meanwhile, the Times paints a harrowing picture of the tragedy's aftermath, with so many still missing: "It would be better if you killed me than if you asked me to go away," one mother told a soldier. Click through for the full piece. (More Bangladesh stories.)