WEB DESK
Three people were killed and several people injured in an explosion that took place on the third floor of a commercial building in the Science lab area of Old Dhaka around 11 in the morning on Sunday. The building partially collapsed under the impact of the explosion which triggered a fire.
The fire service units brought the blaze under control quickly.
The reason for the blast is not known. Local residents told the correspondent that the fire started with a blast in a gas cylinder kept in the building.
Briefing the media after the incident, senior police officials of Dhaka Metropolitan Police said that the explosion seems to be a case of accident. It could have taken place due to a gas cylinder or short circuit but nothing could be said until the investigation is completed. The police official said several injured people are admitted to the local hospitals nearby and some of the injured are in critical condition.
The Science lab area is a densely populated commercial hub in Old Dhaka housing a large number of commercial buildings, shops and markets for retail and wholesale items, offices and restaurants among others.