Ashulia factory blast kills seven, injures 20

At least seven people were killed and 20 others injured when a covered van laden with gas cylinders exploded, igniting a devastating fire at a garment factory compound in Ashulia, Savar, on Sunday evening.

The catastrophe struck at around 6:45 pm at a Pretty Group factory in Jamgora, as workers were unloading the cylinders from the van. According to police and witnesses, a powerful explosion erupted abruptly, followed by a rapidly spreading fire and a succession of secondary cylinder blasts. Consequently, five to six nearby vehicles were engulfed in flames, while the windows of the factory building were shattered.

Meanwhile, multiple Fire Service units were dispatched to the scene and eventually brought the blaze under control. One of the deceased was initially identified as Zainab, 55, whereas five other bodies were subsequently recovered from inside the ill-fated van; however, their identities have yet to be established. Zainab had reportedly been standing at a tailoring shop some 200 yards from the factory when a cylinder, hurled by the blast, pierced the tin roof and struck her head, killing her instantly.

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Furthermore, police said an investigation was underway to identify the victims, ensure that the injured receive treatment and ascertain the precise cause of the explosion.