At least 17 worshippers dead in Bangladesh mosque gas pipeline blast

DHAKA: At least 17 people were killed and dozens were injured after a gas pipeline reportedly exploded at a mosque in Bangladesh, officials said on Saturday.

“I saw smoke was belching out of the mosque after the sudden explosion with a big bang and people were screaming. Some were rolling on the street as they tried to put out the flames on their bodies,” said local resident Mohammad Ratan.

Fire officials said gas that accumulated from a leak in a pipeline running underneath the mosque likely triggered the explosion.

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“We primarily suspect that gas leaked from the pipeline and accumulated inside since the windows were closed. The explosion was probably triggered due to sparks when the air conditioners were turned on,” said Abdullah Al Arefin, a senior fire service official.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Lax regulations and poor enforcement are often blamed for domestic and industrial fires in Bangladesh.

In February last year, an inferno in a centuries-old neighbourhood of Dhaka killed 71 people. A month later, 25 people were killed when fire broke out in a 22-storey commercial building in an upscale area of the capital.

'Deeply saddened'

Foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, on behalf of Pakistan, extended heartfelt condolences over the tragedy.

"Deeply saddened at the loss of life in Narayanganj mosque incident. Our heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Bangladesh and prayers for early recovery of all who were injured in this tragedy," he said.