Moghbazar explosion: Damaged building may collapse any time, says fire service

The three-storey building in Moghbazar that was heavily damaged in yesterday's explosion may collapse any time, fire service experts said today.

"The building has been irreparably damaged," Lt Col Zillur Rahman, director (operation) of Fire Service, told reporters after visiting the site.

The building owner has to decide whether he will demolish it. It is not possible to use it any more, he said while replying to a query.

None should enter the building for the sake of safety, he added.

Zillur, also head of the probe committee formed by fire service, said their teams are collecting evidence from the wreckage and taking statements of witnesses, the injured and owner of business outlets at the site.

He refused to comment on the cause of the explosion at this stage of investigation. However, he hinted that it resembles the Narayanganj mosque blast that was caused due to gas leakage.

At least six persons were killed and more than 50 were injured when a massive explosion took place at Moghbazar last night.

EXPERTS FINDS PRESENCE OF HYDROCARBON IN DEBRIS

Explosives experts said they have found presence of hydrocarbon in the debris of the building in the capital's Moghbazar where at least six people were killed and 50 others were injured in a huge explosion last evening.

"We have found presence of hydrocarbon in the debris while doing analysis," Engineer Abul Kalam Azad, chief explosive inspector of Department of Explosives, told The Daily Star today.

They inspected the spot soon after the explosion and again today, he said.

"There was a restaurant. The building has natural gas lines and cylinder gas. Besides, there were air conditioners also," he said.

Asked whether it is accident or sabotage, the chief inspector said, "We are analysing all possibilities, including gas leakage. It could've happened from electric spark. We won't ignore any of the possibilities."

A three-member probe body was formed with deputy chief explosive inspector as its chief and the committee will submit report within seven working days, he said.

"We are working with all other agencies including fire services and police to investigate the explosion. But it is too early to say anything conclusive right now," said Azad, also a deputy secretary.