At least 16 people, including all passengers of a microbus have been killed after a collision with a passenger bus followed by gas cylinder explosion in Rajshahi.

The tragic accident occurred at 2:00pm on Rajshahi-Dhaka highway in Katakhali area.

Explosion of the cylinder of Hiace microbus damaged the vehicle almost completely. All passengers of the microbus got trapped and turned into fossils.

According to police and local account, the collision between two vehicles caused the cylinder explosion resulting in death of 16 people including all passengers of the microbus.

Members of the local administration, law enforcing agencies and fire service and civil defence rushed to the spot. They are trying to trace the bodies of the victims.

Injured passengers of the bus were sent to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for treatment.

Identities of the deceased could not be ascertained immediately.

Police apprehend that death toll may rise.