At least 11 persons were instantly killed when a powerful explosion ripped through a fireworks factory in the district of Sangli in western Maharashtra, 230 km from here.
Three more persons were injured in the explosion that rocked the little village of Kavathe Ekand, decimating the Eagle Fireworks Factory on Monday evening. The force of the blast was such that eyewitnesses claim the noise was resoundingly heard at a distance of 5 km from the origin, with debris being hurtled far and wide.
A few motorcycles were completely charred in the explosion.
The mother and son of the factory owner were those among the dead while his brother was injured along with three other workers. The cause of the accident has yet to be ascertained.
The village and the factory, which is noted for the production of especially noisy firecrackers in demand during religious festivals, has reported similar accidents in the past years, said sources.