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2nd LD Writethru: 35 killed in blast in central Indian state

Xinhua, September 12, 2015 Adjust font size:

At least 35 people were killed and 40 others injured on Saturday when a gas cylinder burst at a tea stall in Jhabua district in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, which led to the explosion at the building in which it was located, police said.

Many are believed to be trapped in the debris of the building which was destroyed in the powerful blast. Relief and rescue works have been underway.

Officials denied rumors that explosives for making fireworks were stored in the building, saying the blasts were caused by gas cylinders at around 08:30 a.m. local time.

Police expected the toll to rise as the exact number of casualties will be known once the debris is cleared.

Most of the victims in the blast were local laborers having tea or breakfast at the time of the incident.

Local TV footages showed that many injured were lying on the ground waiting for help. Endi