DHAKA, March 5, 2023 (BSS) - Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Khandker Golam Faruq today said that the explosion at a building near Science Laboratory that claimed three lives was not an act of sabotage but an accident.

"No evidence of sabotage was found on the spot and the explosion might have occurred for various reasons. The law enforcement agencies are investigating the matter," he said while talking to reporters after visiting the spot this afternoon.

Replying to a question of journalists, the commissioner said, they have not found any mark of splinter or destructive elements yet from the scene. 

Three people were killed and 15 were injured in a fire following an explosion inside a commercial building near city's Science Laboratory Moor in Dhanmondi area around 10:52am this morning.

The deceased were identified as - Shafiquzzaman, 44, Abdul Mannan, 64, and Md Tushar, 24. The three were declared dead after locals rushed them to Dhanmondi's Popular Hospital. 

Seven people are being treated in the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). Besides, six more people have been admitted to Sheikh Hasina National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute (SHNBPS).

Coordinator of National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute Dr Samanta Lal Sen said, "Six people are undergoing treatment at the hospital. 

Rashed Bin Khaled, duty officer of the Fire Service and Civil Defence Headquarter said the explosion occurred inside the building named 'Shirin Mansion' around 10:52 this morning. Soon after the explosion, the building partially collapsed and was engulfed by fire.

"The fire was brought under control at 11:13 am with the efforts of four units of Fire Service and Civil Defense including Palashi, Siddikbazar (Headquarters) and Dhanmondi patrols. The fire was completely extinguished at 11:44 am," the official added.

"Bomb disposal unit reached the spot to find out what kind of explosion took place in the building. However, due to the fire, black smoke and other debris, officials are having hard time to work... Expert officials from CID and other organizations are also present at the spot to find out the cause behind the incident," said Azizul Haque, Sub-Inspector (SI) of Dhanmondi police station.