DHAKA (BANGLADESH) – At least 17 people were killed and several others injured in a pipeline blast at a mosque in Bangladesh on Friday. The explosion occurred as worshippers were about to end their prayers.
Fire service officials suspect the blast was caused by a gas pipeline leak at a mosque in Narayanganj district on the suburbs of the capital.
As many as 37 injured persons were rushed to Dhaka’s burn and plastic-surgery hospital.
Seventeen worshippers, including a child, died after they sustained severe burns, said Samanta Lal Sen, coordinator of the burn unit, adding that the death toll could rise as many of the injured are in a critical condition.
“I saw smoke was belching out of the mosque after the sudden explosion with a big bang and people were screaming. Some were rolling on the street as they tried to put out the flames on their bodies,” said local resident Mohammad Ratan.
“We primarily suspect that gas leaked from the pipeline and accumulated inside since the windows were closed. The explosion was probably triggered due to sparks when the air conditioners were turned on,” said Abdullah Al Arefin, a senior fire service official.
An investigation has been launched into the mishap.