Dhaka/IBNS: As many as 14 people have been killed and over 100 injured in an explosion at a multi-storied building in Old Dhakas crowded Gulistan area in Bangladesh, as per the latest media reports.
Police said the powerful blast occurred at a seven-storey building in Bangladeshs capital at around 4:50 pm (local time), as per reports.
Eleven fire services units were pressed into action and so far, 14 bodies have been recovered, police told reporters.
The building located in the busy Siddique Bazaar was a commercial building housing several offices and stores.
India Today reported that the blast took place in a store selling sanitation materials on the ground floor of the building.
The reason for the blast couldnt be immediately ascertained but locals suspected chemicals illegally stored inside the building might be the cause.
Eyewitnesses said at least 20-25 people, seriously injured and bleeding, were lying on the road in front of the damaged building.
People were running around in panic and crying for help, they said, the reports added.
The window panes of the building were shattered and shards of glass scattered on the street.
The Rapid Action Battalions bomb disposal unit was rushed to the spot to inspect the buildings.
All the injured were rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital where they are receiving treatment at the hospitals emergency unit.