The cause behind the explosion in the seven-storey Gulistan building will be known after examining the samples collected from the site, said Major Morshed Alam, director of bomb disposal unit of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).
“Primary samples were collected from the blast site and sent to laboratory for test and the actual reason behind the explosion could be known after examining the samples,” he said.
“We entered the damaged building carefully and it appeared that it is not an incident of fire, it's an explosion. The level of explosion was huge, “Major Morshed said.
There might be multiple reasons including leakage of gas pipeline behind the blast and there is a little possibility of air conditioner blast, he said.
Besides, a dog squad team is working there to check whether there is any existence of human alive or dead inside the building, said Morshed.
The explosion has so far claimed the lives of 17 people.
So far, three people are still reported missing.
Currently, 20 patients are getting treatment in the burn unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
Officials fear the death toll will likely increase as many of those rescued are critically injured.
