Death toll in Indian factory blasts rises to 12

The death toll in blasts inside a chemical factory in Indian state of Maharashtra has risen to 12, officials said Saturday.

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

Over 150 people were injured in the blasts of boiler at the factory manufacturing organic chemical products.

"The death toll in the boiler blasts at Dombivli has reached to 12," an official said. "The toll increases with the recovery of new bodies from the debris at the site."

Locals said the impact of blast was strong to the extent that it collapsed the building and shattered window panes of many buildings in the vicinity.

Meanwhile, local government has ordered a probe into the blasts and warned of strict action against the people responsible for the accident.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has asked the probe team to submit its report within a month.

Reports said the state authorities have ordered a week-long shutdown of all chemical factories in and around the city to facilitate a thorough safety and security inspection. Endit