A gas pipeline explosion near a mosque in Bangladesh has killed some worshippers. Dozens of worshipers suffered severe burns while praying in a mosque, in Narayanganj district, outside of Dhaka when an apparent gas explosion hit the building. According to reports, the blast claimed the life of a seven-year-old boy. The death toll from the blast has risen to 16, police and doctors said on Saturday. At least 50 people were injured in the explosion. The mosque's imam and another senior cleric were among those with severe injuries being treated at the hospital, according to The Dhaka Tribune newspaper.
A seven-year-old boy died in the hospital, in Samanta Lal Sen.
Overnight, 10 people died at the hospital, doctor Partha Sankar Paul told reporters. Five more people died during the day on Saturday, he said, warning that the death toll could rise further.
Most of the victims are reported to be in critical condition.
Fire officials said gas that accumulated in the mosque after leaks likely triggered the explosion.
"We primarily suspect that gas leaked from the pipeline and accumulated inside the mosque since the windows were shut. When the air conditioners were turned on, due to sparks the gas could have exploded," said Abdullah Al Arefin, a senior fire service official.
A police bomb disposal unit had collected evidence from the scene to examine the cause of the blast.
