The death toll in the explosion which broke out in a chemical factory in the Shirpur area of Maharashta's Dhule has mounted to 12.
"12 people have died in the incident and 58 people have been injured. The injured have been rushed to the nearest local hospital," News Agency ANI quoted Superintendent of Police, Vishwa Padhare as saying.
According to News agency PTI, at least 100 workers were present inside the factory, located in Waghadi village in Shirpur taluka, when the incident occurred around 9:45 am.
"Prima facie, multiple cylinders exploded at the factory. At least eight bodies have been recovered by police and rescue teams so far. Rescue operation is on," PTI quoted the Shirpur police station officer as saying.
Various teams of police, disaster management, fire brigade are conducting rescue operations.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed grief over loss of lives in explosion at a chemical factory near Shirpur in Dhule dist.
He announces an ex-gratia of Rs 5 Lakh each to the next of the kin of the deceased. The death toll has risen to 12,till now.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and took stock of the situation arising out of the explosion at a chemical factory in Dhule.
During the telephonic conversation, the chief minister conveyed to the home minister that the state government has been doing its best to help those who are in distress.
"Anguished to learn about the loss of lives due to explosion at a chemical factory in Dhule, Maharashtra. Have spoken to CM @Dev_Fadnavis, state govt is doing everything possible to assist the people in need. My condolences with the bereaved families. May injured recover soon," Shah tweeted.
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