Date:06/07/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/07/06/stories/2009070660201100.htm

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8 killed in blasts in two M.P. factories

Singrauli (M.P.): At least eight persons were killed and 40 injured in blasts in two private factories manufacturing explosives used for coal mining in the Bairhan Industrial Area here on Sunday.

Police said the first explosion occurred in Ideal Explosives Industries around 6.30 p.m. The impact was felt in the neighbouring Rajasthan Explosives Private Limited as well.

Superintendent of Police (Singrauli) Anurag told PTI over the phone that eight persons were killed and about 40 others were injured. Earlier reports said 100 persons were injured.

Officials feared that at least 20 to 25 persons may still be trapped in the debris, nearly five hours after the explosions. The injured have been shifted to nearby hospitals, they said.

The explosion was so severe that both factories were reduced to rubble, eyewitnesses said.

Relief and rescue operations have commenced in the Industrial Area.

Singrauli District Magistrate T. Narihari said explosives manufactured from chemicals brought to the factories are used for mining in nearby coalfields. The factories are legal and operate in the industrial area in a cluster, he said. According to reports, ammonium nitrate gas was leaking from the accident site. Electricity went off at the Bairhan Industrial Area. — PTI