Five killed, 100 injured in MP factory explosions

At least five persons were killed and 100 injured in explosions in two private factories manufacturing explosives used for mining activities, in the Bairhan Industrial Area here this evening.

Police said the first explosion occurred in the Ideal Explosives Industries around 6.30 pm. The explosion had its impact in the neighbouring Rajasthan Explosives Private Limited as well.

Singrauli District Magistrate T Narihari said five bodies had been recovered from the site. It was not immediately known what caused the explosions.

Officials feared that at least 25 persons may still be trapped in the debris nearly four hours after the explosions. Of the 100 injured, 80 persons had been shifted to nearby hospitals, they said.

 

The explosions were so severe that both the factories were reduced to rubble, eyewitnesses said.

Relief and rescue operations had commenced in the Industrial Area.

Narihari said explosives manufactured from chemicals brought to the factories were being used for mining activities in the nearby coalfields.