10 killed in fire inside fireworks factory in southern India

NEW DELHI - At least 10 people were killed and several others injured Wednesday after a massive fire broke out inside a fireworks factory in southern Indian state of Telangana, officials said.

The fire broke out at Kotilingala Devasthanam in Kashibugga area of Warangal district, about 160 km east of Hyderabad, the capital city of Telangana.

"So far we have recovered 10 bodies from the spot," Bhagwan Reddy, district fire officer at Warangal, told Xinhua.

"A massive fire has broke out inside the fireworks factory today, triggering series of blasts. In the 300-metre radius, the blasts caused cracks in the buildings."

Ambulances and fire brigades reached the scene to rescue the injured and contain the fire.

Locals said the explosions continued inside the factory for more than an hour.

The cause of fire was being ascertained.

"Our firefighters and fire tenders are on the spot to contain the fire and carry out rescue work," Reddy said. "The injured were taken to MGM hospital here."

Reports said 17 people, mostly workers, were inside the factory at the time of fire.

Chances of fire in Indian factories and buildings are often high as owners usually ignore safety standards vis-a-vis fire.

Firecrackers are set off in India during festivals, weddings and other merrymaking ceremonies.