Online Desk: Three persons have died and at least 40 were injured in an explosion that took place at a building in Science Lab area this morning. Rezaul Karim, assistant manager (HR and Admin) of Popular Diagnostic Centre, confirmed the development.

“At least 40 persons came to the hospital for treatment,” he said, adding that they have sent critical injured patients to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. Identities of the deceased could not be known immediately. Black smoke engulfed the building following the explosion on the second floor, said Shahabul Haque Shabu, officer-in-charge of New Market Police Station.

Some part of the building collapsed due to the explosion, fire and police officials said. “Four units of firefighters rushed there on information around 10:50am,” said Khaleda Yeasmin, duty officer of Fire Service and Civil Defence control room. She said the fire was brought under control around 11:15am. Reason behind the explosion is yet to be ascertained. Fire fighters are conducting rescue operations, reports our correspondent from the spot.