8 killed, 40 hurt in blasts in Madhya Pradesh

Singrauli (MP), Jul 6 : At least eight persons have been killed and 40 sustained injuries in blasts in two private factories that made explosives used for coal mining in the Bairhan Industrial Area here.

Police said the first blast occurred in the Ideal Explosives Industries around 1830 hours. The explosion had its impact in the neighbouring Rajasthan Explosives Private Limited as well.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Singrauli Anurag told a news agency over phone that eight persons were killed and about 40 others were injured. Earlier reports said that 100 persons were injured. It was not immediately known what caused the explosion.

Officials feared that at least 20 to 25 persons may still be trapped in the debris nearly five hours after the explosions. The injured have been shifted to nearby hospitals, they said.

Singrauli District Magistrate T Narihari said explosives manufactured from chemicals brought to the factories are used for mining activities in the nearby coalfields. The factories are legal and operate in the industrial area in a cluster, he said.

--IBNS