Explosion inside fireworks factory kills 5 in India

At least five people were killed and 10 others suffered burn injures when an explosion ripped apart a fireworks factory in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, police said Monday.

The explosion took place at Dindivanam town of Viluppuram district, about 169 km south of Chennai city, the capital of Tamil Nadu.

"Last evening a high intensity blast took place inside a cracker unit here, killing five people on spot and ten others were seriously injured," a police official posted in the district said. "The incident occurred when the laborers were busy making firecrackers."

Police have identified the victims as laborers working at the factory.

Following the explosion, the building caught fire after which firefighters and police rushed to the spot to carry out rescue work.

Reports said the explosions ripped apart the factory building and bodies were found strewn across the courtyard.

"The injured people have been rushed to JIPMER hospital in Puducherry," the police official said.

The cause of explosion was not immediately known. However, primary investigations point at mishandling of the combustible material inside the factory.

Accidental explosions are common at Indian fireworks factories.

Apart from factories, many households in Indian villages are making firecrackers illegally for local religious festivals, weddings and other ceremonies. Endit