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At least 13 people have been killed and several others injured, including five reportedly in critical condition, after an explosion at a firecracker factory in India, reports BBC.
The accident took place in Thrissur in the southern state of Kerala on Tuesday afternoon when around 40 people were allegedly assembling firecrackers in a cluster of sheds for a festival, the report said.
The 3:30pm (local time) explosion led to secondary blasts that slowed rescue efforts, marking the second such incident this week, BBC said citing officials.
On Sunday, another firecracker factory blast in neighbouring Tamil Nadu state claimed at least 25 lives.
The force of the blast was so strong that it was felt kilometres away, with many residents mistaking it for an earthquake.
In fact, a number of nearby homes were damaged.
Kerala’s Revenue Minister K Rajan said the factories units were authorised to manufacture and store fireworks for the upcoming Thrissur Pooram—a major annual Hindu temple festival.
Stating that food had been prepared for about 40 workers, officials suspect more people were present during the latest accident.
Despite Wadakanchery Municipal Chairman PN Surendran attributing the blast to high afternoon temperatures, officials said they have yet to identify the cause.
“There is still no clarity on how many workers were in the shed or the extent of injuries. It is suspected that extreme heat may have contributed to this tragic incident,” Surendran was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, a magisterial inquiry has been launched.
A manager of the Tiruvambady temple committee told the BBC the group had permission to store 2,000kg of firecrackers for each display during the festival.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan pledged to bring in medical experts from other states to treat the burn victims if needed.
The federal government announced financial assistance of Rs 200,000 for the families of the dead, and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
In India, firecracker factory accidents are common because highly volatile chemicals are handled in cramped and low-cost setups where even a small spark can lead to blasts.
The industry is largely informal, but it meets the demand during weddings, festivals and other ceremonies.