Explosion kills 17 and injures more than 100 in Bangladesh

At least 17 were killed and more than 100 injured after a powerful “earthquake-like” explosion ripped through a six-storey building in Bangladesh. The explosion occurred around 4.50pm local time on Tuesday in Dhaka’s crowded Gulistan area. At least 200 firefighters in 11 firefighting units were dispatched for rescue and relief operations.

By yesterday morning, the bodies of 17 people were handed over to their families, reported local media. Two women were among those who died. “Three people are reported still missing. It has not yet been confirmed whether they were injured or killed,” senior police official Subir Kumar was quoted as saying by the Dhaka Tribune newspaper.

Ten of the injured are in critical condition and have been admitted to Dhaka’s Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.

Police have not been able to ascertain the exact cause of the explosion. Officials believe the explosion was an accident, but said they will investigate if they find any contrary evidence. Some residents suspect illegal chemicals stored in the building caused the blast.