An explosion, reportedly Thursday caused by a gas leak, occurred at the Cholistan Institute of Desert Studies building within the Islamia University Baghdad Al-Jadeed campus.

The blast resulted in half of the building collapsing and injured six individuals. The injured, including faculty members and research students, are being transferred to Bahawal Victoria Hospital for treatment.

Among the severely injured is Dr. Abdullah, the director of the institute. Two students and two employees are also among those hurt in the explosion.

Sources reveal that two of the injured suffered severe burns from the fire that followed the chemical explosion.

Emergency responders are on the scene, and an investigation into the cause of the explosion is underway.