3 killed, 28 injured in factory blasts in India

At least three people were killed and 28 others injured Thursday in blasts inside a chemical factory in the Indian state of Maharashtra, officials said.

The blasts occurred at Dombivali in Thane district, about 40 km north of Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra.

"Two blasts inside a chemical factory today killed three people and injured 28 others," an official said. "Following the blasts in factory's boiler, a fire broke out."

All the injured, according to officials, were rushed to the nearest hospital.

Television reports, however, put the number of injured in blasts over 100.

Reports said the impact of the blasts was felt within a radius of 4 kilometers and shattered window panes of many buildings in vicinity.

Authorities have rushed fire tenders to the spot to douse the flames.

Meanwhile, local government has ordered a probe into the blasts.

"Saddened to know about the unfortunate and tragic incident that took place at Dombivali," Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis wrote on twitter.

Fadnavis said they have initiated relief and rescue measures at the site. Endit