NEW DELHI, April 20 (Xinhua) -- At least 21 people were killed and six others injured Sunday in a blast at a firecracker factory in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, state-run broadcaster All India Radio (AIR) reported.
"In Tamil Nadu, 21 people are reported to have been killed following a blast at a firecracker factory at V. Muthulingapuram in Virudhunagar district this afternoon," the report said. "Six people have been seriously injured and rushed to nearby hospitals for emergency treatment."
According to the broadcaster, the incident occurred when laborers were shifting inflammable chemical materials inside the factory. Reports said around 50 workers were present in four rooms at the time of the explosion.
Officials fear the death toll is likely to increase given the critical condition of some of the injured.
Officials said the explosion ripped through the factory and completely damaged the facility.
Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the accident.
Accidental explosions are common at Indian firecracker factories and shops as owners often ignore safety standards. ■