Indian hospital officials and police said that at least 12 people were killed and nearly 50 were injured after a series of explosions hit a chemical factory in the western Indian state of Maharashtra on Saturday, Reuters reported.
An official at Shirpur’s sub-district hospital in Dhule district said that 12 people had died in the explosion. “There are around 37 injured admitted here, and we have transferred another 12 patients,” D.N. Wagh told Reuters.
The first explosion at the factory took place around 9.30 a.m. (0400 GMT), police officer Sanjay Ahire said. Videos from the incident on local news channels showed thick black smoke billowing out of the factory.
“There was a 200 liter chemical barrel that exploded first, then the fire spread to other parts of the factory and there were more blasts,” Ahire said.
Earlier this month, heavy monsoon rains hit the southern Indian state of Kerala causing a major landslide and floods that forced the evacuation of more than 22,000 people. In addition, 22 people have died in Kerala due to the torrential monsoon rains.
Moreover, the disaster forced the closure of Cochin International Airport, the busiest airport in the tourist state.
Seasonal monsoon rains from June to September cause deaths and mass displacement across South Asia every year but they also deliver more than 70% of India’s rainfall and are crucial for farm output and economic growth.
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