DHAKA, Bangladesh — The death toll from a gas pipeline explosion in a mosque outside Bangladesh’s capital rose to 24 on Sunday while authorities were examining how a leakage caused the accident during evening prayers. A 7-year-old boy who went to pray with his father in Narayanganj district was among the dead. At least 37 people were admitted to a burn unit in a state-run hospital in Dhaka, where 24 subsequently died. Doctors said the others were critical as they suffered burns on up to 90% of their bodies. Officials said the impact of the blast caused at least six air conditioners to also explode, baffling the devotees, as the fire rapidly raced through the packed mosque.

Source: New York Times September 06, 2020 07:07 UTC