6 killed, over 50 injured in factory fire in central India

By Ahmad Adil

NEW DELHI (AA) - At least six people were killed and over 50 injured after a fire broke out at a firecracker factory in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, officials said on Tuesday.

The incident happened in the state's Harda district and a rescue operation is underway in the area, according to the officials.

"There was an explosion in the firecracker factory and six people have been killed and over 50 were injured," Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Mohan Yadav said.

Yadav’s office said the chief minister held an emergency meeting with senior officials and ambulances are being rushed to Harda from the surrounding areas, and the Indian army has been contacted to arrange for helicopters.

Rishi Garg, a senior official in the district, said those rescued were shifted to the hospital and the rescue operation is still underway.