At least 7 people have been killed and 75 injured in a massive blast at a fireworks factory in India, according to officials.
Video footage aired by Indian television stations showed flames shooting high into the air after the explosion at the fireworks factory, with officials at one hospital confirming the deaths of 7 people.
Dozens of ambulances from surrounding areas and army helicopters were dispatched to evacuate the injured.
An official at a hospital in the Harda district, Madhya Pradesh, who requested anonymity, confirmed the deaths, saying, “We have received 65 injured here and have referred 10 to a bigger hospital.”
Local official Kailash Chand Parti, who was coordinating the rescue efforts, stated that around 15 fire engines were battling the massive blaze.
Rescue efforts:
He added, “At least 8 people have been seriously injured. We are here at the site, focusing on the rescue efforts and transporting the injured to hospitals, so we cannot confirm the number of fatalities at this time.”
He further stated that between 70 and 75 people with various injuries had been rescued and transferred to local government hospitals.
The official noted that up to 300 people were working at the factory, but it is not known how many were inside at the time of the blast.
He explained that 10 buildings surrounding the complex where the explosion occurred were damaged due to its intensity, and the fire has not been brought under control yet.
Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav requested burn units in nearby major hospitals to make necessary preparations.
