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 seven-year-old boy who went to pray with his father in the Narayanganj district was among the dead. The father is in a critical condition.
At least 37 people were admitted to a burns unit in a state-run hospital in Dhaka, where 24 subsequently died.
Doctors said the others were critical after suffering burns on up to 90% of their bodies.
Authorities said they suspected gas had accumulated inside the mosque from a leak in the underground pipeline. The windows were shut because of the air conditioners.
