Monday, April 11 2005 16:41 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Dhaka: A nine-storeyed garment factory building today (Apr 11, 2005) collapsed in Bangladesh due to a boiler explosion killing seven people and injuring at least 100.

So far seven bodies have been recovered from the pile of concrete and iron rubble of the factory in nearby Gazipur district, 32 kms northwest of the capital, a rescue worker said.

"At least 100 people were injured," the rescue worker said, adding they have been taken to hospital.

A Dhaka-based news agency, however, put the death toll at 15.

The building apparently caved in after a boiler exploded in the newly constructed garment and knitting unit factory, which had upto 200 workers in its two floors during the night shift, police and survivors said.

Police, Army and fire fighters were trying to save those trapped inside, witnesses said.

"We are not equipped for such a huge operation and of this nature," said Selim Bhuyian, a fire brigade official at the scene, adding "this is the worst such accident ever."

Some 50 people have so far been rescued from the rubble, many of them bleeding and screaming in pain as they were rushed to hospitals, others are still trapped inside.