At least one person was killed and six others were injured after a blast at an explosives factory in Chhattisgarh's Bemetara on Saturday. The factory is the largest gunpowder-making unit in the state.
The explosion occurred at the factory in Borsi village, an official said. Two teams of State Disaster Response Force units were rushed to the explosion site from adjoining districts of Durg and Raipur. One more team of SDRF is being deployed from Rajnandgoan. At least 10 to 12 fire tenders are at the spot to douse the fire.
The rubble of the building is being removed to look for people who are reportedly missing.
Speaking to the media, Bemetara Superintendent of Police Ramkrishna Sahu said, "The situation is under control. The SDRF team and experts team are here. Details are being taken. As per the information, 5-6 people were sent to hospital."
Bemetara District Magistrate Ranbir Sharma said, "Six people are injured and they have been sent for treatment. The fire brigade, a medical team and people from the administration and police are here. (About casualties) unconfirmed as of now. The reason for the blast is a matter of investigation."
The six injured were referred to the Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital in Raipur for treatment.
Dr Shivam Patel, Assistant Professor at Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital, said, "A total of seven patients were brought to the hospital, of which one was brought dead. Rest of the patients are undergoing treatment and their situation is stable."
Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao visited the explosion site and said, "An inquiry has been initiated and strong actions will be taken against the guilty. Government will provide Rs 5 lakh as compensation to the family of the deceased."
