At least 10 people killed in India factory explosion

At least 10 people have been killed and 22 injured in a chemicals explosion, yesterday (5 June) at an electronics factory in northern India’s Hapur district, police say.

The accident happened at an industrial facility in Dhaulana, about 60km from the capital, New Delhi police spokesman Surendra Singh said.

‘The firm was registered to manufacture electronic equipment and what chemicals were being used is now being investigated,’ Mr Singh said.

Senior police officer Pravin Kumar said a fire broke out after a boiler in the factory exploded.

The injured people were taken to hospital and three of them were in a critical condition, he said.

The blast blew off the factory’s roof, rescue worker Ajay Mishra said.

Authorities have ordered an investigation.

Industrial accidents are common in India and often blamed on people flouting safety norms, as well as lax inspections by government officials.

In 2019, a fire caused by an electrical short circuit in a New Delhi factory producing handbags and other items killed 43 people.

For more information, go to www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-05/hapur-india-factory-fire-kills-10-people/101127056