1st LD Writethru: Massive fire breaks out inside chemical factory in India

NEW DELHI, March 29 (Xinhua) -- A major fire broke out Thursday inside a chemical factory in southern Indian state of Karnataka, police said.

According to officials no loss of life or causality was reported in the incident as more than 50 employees inside the factory were rushed to safety.

The fire broke out at a chemical factory in Malur town of Kolar district, about 44 km east of Bengaluru, the capital city of Karnataka state.

"The fire ignited the pipes through which petroleum products were being transported," an official posted in Kolar said. "The fire engulfed the neighboring factories."

Officials said 10 fire tenders were rushed to the spot, besides over 50 firefighters to contain the fire and douse flames.

Locals said columns of thick dark smoke and flames were billowing from the factories.

There were conflicting reports about the cause of fire. Police said actual cause can be ascertained only after proper investigation.

"Some people attribute the fire to short circuit, while as others claim a domestic gas cylinder explosion caused the fire," a police official told Xinhua over telephone from Kolar. "The cause of fire can be determined only after forensic experts conduct their investigation." Enditem