At least 15 people have been killed in an explosion at a crowded market in the capital of Bangladesh

DHAKA, March 7 (Reuters) – At least 15 people were killed and several others injured in an explosion in a crowded market area in Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka on Tuesday, 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 parked opposite the building was also damaged in the blast,” said fire service officer Dinomoni Sharma.

Sharma said the cause of the blast was not clear and the death toll was likely to rise as rescue operations were underway.

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.

I heard a noise and fell down. Then I saw smoke all over the area. No buildings are visible. Everyone is running.

Three people were killed in a blast in Dhaka on Sunday

On Sunday, three people were killed in a gas explosion in Dhaka. On Saturday, seven people were killed and several others injured in a fire that followed an explosion at an oxygen plant in southeastern Bangladesh.

Ruma Milk Report; Written by Sakshi Dayal; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Alex Richardson

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