NEW DELHI, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- At least eight people were killed and over a dozen others injured on Wednesday after a blast inside fireworks factory triggered a fire in India's eastern state of Odisha, police said.
The fire broke out Wednesday evening at Bahabalpur in Balasore district, about 224 km northeast of Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha.
"Eight people, including a child were burnt alive and 12 others suffered burn injuries this evening after a blast triggered fire inside a firecrackers factory here," a police official posted in Balasore said. "Six bodies were found near the accident spot, while as two were declared brought dead at Balasore district hospital."
According to police injured were admitted at Balasore district hospital while as critical ones were referred to medical college hospital in Cuttack.
Balasore district collector Pramod Kumar Das told media the fireworks factory was running illegally.
Locals said the explosion continued inside the factory for more than an hour.
The cause of blast was being ascertained, police said.
Authorities rushed fire tenders and firefighters to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading.
In New Delhi, the Supreme court has banned sale of firecrackers to control rising air pollution.
Accidental explosions are common at Indian fireworks factories and shops. Chances of fire in Indian factories and buildings are often high as owners usually ignore safety standards vis-a-vis fire.
In India firecrackers are set off during festivals, weddings and other merrymaking ceremonies.
India is currently celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights. Though the main festival would be celebrated on Thursday, people have started celebrations days in advance.
