At least three people were killed and dozens were injured in an explosion that took place at a building in Dhaka's Science Lab area on Sunday morning.
The incident took place at around 10:52am at a building named “Shirin Mansion”.
The deceased have been identified as Shafikuzzaman, Abdul Mannan, and Tushar.
They died while undergoing treatment at Popular Hospital in Dhanmondi.
Mehedi Hasan/Dhaka TribuneMeanwhile, at least 14 injured, who are pedestrians and shopkeepers, were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.
The injured are Nur Nabi, 23, Akbor Ali, 52, Ashfaruzzaman, 36, Asha, 26, Habibur Rahman, 32, Juhur Ali, 52, Jakir Hossain Jewel, 35, Mehedi Hasan, 25, Tajuddin, 30, Kabir Hossain 30, Rabeya Khatun, 25, Kamal Hasan, 40. Two other injured could not be identified yet.
The explosion has left part of the three-story building partially collapsed.
Coordinator of Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery Dr Samanta Lal Sen said six people were being treated at the facility's emergency department.
“Some of them have inhalation burns, and some of them have 20-40% surface-level burn injuries,” he added.
Meanwhile, the resident doctor of the emergency department, Dr Md Alauddin, said the condition of one of the injured is critical.
Mehedi Hasan/Dhaka TribuneFrom the scene, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DC) of Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Shahidullah said that there is a “Phoenix Insurance Company” office on the third floor of the building.
The official said that the reason behind the explosion is still unknown. “Bomb disposal unit members are on the way. They will be able to tell what caused the fire after an investigation”
According to the control room of the Fire Service and Civil Defence, a total of four units from Palashi, Dhanmondi Patrol and Siddikbazar fire stations brought the fire under control.
Locals said the three-storey building has several fabric shops on the ground and second floors. Also next to it are high-rise residential buildings and the Priyangan Shopping Center.
Witnesses said there was a loud explosion at the time of the incident, which quickly filled the surrounding areas with a gas odor and smoke.
Following the explosion, bricks, and glasses from the building's wall fell onto the road, causing injuries to pedestrians and one CNG driver.
