DHAKA, March 7 (Reuters) – An explosion in a crowded market area in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka on Tuesday killed 15 people and injured several others, a local fire service official said.
The blast took place inside the seven-storey building, causing heavy damage to two floors, the official added.
“There were several shops selling sanitary wares and household appliances. A bus standing opposite the building was also damaged in the blast,” said Dinomony Sharma, a fire service officer.
Sharma said the cause of the blast was not clear and the death toll was likely to rise as rescue operations were underway.
[1/5] Firefighters and rescue workers are seen at the scene of an explosion in a multi-storey building in Dhaka, Bangladesh on March 7, 2023. REUTERS/Mohammed Bonir Hossain
Pictures from the scene showed extensive damage to the building and nearby structures, with items once inside the shops piled up on the street. Some pedestrians were injured in the debris and broken glass.
Kamal Ahmed, one of the injured in the blast, told local media.
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I heard a noise and fell down. Then I saw smoke all over the area. No buildings are visible. Everyone is running.
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Ruma Milk Report; Written by Sakshi Dayal; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Alex Richardson
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