Dhaka, Bangladesh – A devastating explosion rocked the Gulistan area of Dhaka on Tuesday afternoon, leaving at least eighteen people dead and more than 100 injured.
The blast occurred around 4:50 PM (local time) at a five-story building in the crowded Old Dhaka neighborhood and was heard across the city, causing panic and chaos among the residents, according to the fire service control room.
The building, which housed a shopping center and several offices, was completely destroyed, leaving only rubble and debris. Rescue workers rushed to the scene and pulled out the injured and the dead from the wreckage.
Eleven firefighting units, comprising 200 firemen, were mobilized at the spot to extinguish the fire and rescue those trapped in the rubble. The explosion caused a massive fire that spread quickly through the building and nearby structures, causing panic among the locals.
According to a statement made by a fire service official to the media, a “total of 16 bodies have been discovered thus far, with the possibility of an increase in the death toll as the rescue operation continues”.
Rescue workers and firefighters have been working tirelessly since the incident to search for survivors, recover the bodies of the victims, and prevent any further damage. Many people are still believed to be trapped under the debris, and efforts are underway to reach them.
Firefighters and gas company officials were seen at the site, trying to control the situation The area has been cordoned off, and the authorities have urged people to stay away from the site.
The cause of the explosion is still unknown, but authorities suspect that a gas leak might be the reason behind it. The building housed several shops and offices, and the explosion occurred during peak hours when the area was crowded with people.
The authorities have urged people to stay away from the area to avoid hindering the rescue operation. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her condolences to the families of the victims and ordered an investigation into the incident.
The Gulistan area is known for its bustling markets and commercial activities, and this incident has sent shockwaves through the entire neighborhood.
The loss of life and property has left the locals in a state of despair, and they are calling for better safety measures and stricter regulations to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
The authorities have deployed additional rescue teams to the site and are doing everything possible to save lives.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her condolences to the families of the victims and directed the authorities to provide the best possible medical care to the injured.
She also ordered an immediate investigation into the incident and asked the relevant agencies to take all necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The explosion is a grim reminder of the poor safety standards in Bangladesh, where such incidents are all too common. The government has been criticized for its lax enforcement of safety regulations, which often leads to such tragedies.
The authorities must take immediate action to improve safety standards and prevent such incidents from happening again in the future.
Author
-
by
-
