Six people were killed and several others injured after gas cylinders exploded and triggered a fire at a garment factory compound in Jamgora, Ashulia, on Sunday evening.

The incident occurred around 6:45pm at a factory of Preeti Group in the Jamgora area of Ashulia. A gas cylinder-carrying covered van was parked inside the factory compound when the explosion occurred, according to Fire Service officials.

Fire Service and Civil Defence said six bodies were recovered from the scene. Five of the victims were found inside the covered van, while a woman was killed outside the factory after being struck by a flying cylinder or debris from the explosion.

The identities of most of the deceased were not immediately confirmed. However, one victim was identified as 55-year-old Zainab Begum of Kashimpur, Gazipur, according to local reports.

Four firefighting units from the DEPZ and Zirabo fire stations responded to the incident. The fire was brought under control at around 8:03pm, Fire Service officials said.

The blast and subsequent fire also damaged five to six covered vans and other vehicles inside the factory compound.

Several injured people were taken to nearby hospitals, with some severely burned patients reportedly referred to the burn unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.

Fire Service officials said their preliminary assessment was that the fire may have started after gas cylinders exploded in a specialised lorry or covered van parked near the factory. The exact cause of the explosion is yet to be established.

Authorities continued rescue and assessment operations at the scene, while the circumstances surrounding the accident are being investigated.