Rescue workers try to retrieve the trapped workers at the debris of a collapsed factory building some 25 km west of Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh, April 11, 2005. The nine-storey building collapsed following a boiler explosion that morning and several hundred of workers were trapped within the debris of the building. At least 12 bodies have been dug out already and more than 60 wounded sent to hospital. (Xinhua Photo)

Rescue workers try to retrieve the trapped workers at the debris of a collapsed factory building some 25 km west of Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh, April 11, 2005. (Xinhua photo)

Rescue workers try to retrieve the trapped workers at the debris of a collapsed factory building some 25 km west of Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh, April 11, 2005.  (Xinhua photo)

Doctors wait to treat the wounded workers beside the debris of a collapsed factory building some 25 km west of Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh, April 11, 2005. (Xinhua photo)

    DHAKA, April 11 (Xinhuanet) -- At least 12 workers were killed after a nine-storey building housing a textile mill collapsed in Bangladesh Monday.

    Fire Brigade officials here said the building collapsed following a boiler explosion of the textile factory on Monday morning. Four bodies were first dragged from the collapsed building in Savar area, 25 km west of Dhaka, while eight more bodies were discovered from the debris in the afternoon in the rescue operation.

    Fire officials when contacted by phone told Xinhua they have rescued over 40 workers and sent the survivors to hospitals for treatment.

    However, the exact number of workers still trapped inside the debris, is not available at present. Survivors estimated at least 500 workers were trapped within the collapsed building, while a fire official believed some 1,000 workers were locked inside the factory.

    Xinhua correspondent visiting the site found some workers trapped inside the building could be heard crying for help, and rescue workers were talking with them.

    Army men were also called in to join the rescue operation.

    It is estimated that it would take two or three days to complete the rescue work. Enditem