Visuals show flames and smoke billowing out from the building
Two people were killed and 14 others injured in a fire which broke out after a blast in a boiler at a chemical company in Maharashtra's Nashik district on Sunday, officials said.
The fire broke out at the factory at Mundegaon village at 11 am after a huge boiler explosion, officials said. Mundhegaon is located about 30 km from Nashik and 130 km from Mumbai.
Fire engines, police and disaster response force teams rushed to the spot.
"A blast led to the fire. A woman died in the incident. Fourteen people have been injured and admitted to hospitals. The condition of four of the injured people is serious," divisional revenue commissioner Radhakrishna Game told reporters.
"Normally, 20 to 25 people work in the plant. But, as it was the first day of the New Year, the number was less on Sunday. As huge grass has grown in the premises and inflammable material is lying everywhere, our first aim is to control the fire. The exact reason behind the blaze is yet to be ascertained. It will take some time," Mr Game added.
The blast was so strong that it could be heard in nearby villages. The fire and smoke could be seen from a distance.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said 11 injured people have been admitted to Suyash Hospital in Nashik.
"As it was an automatic plant, there was not much manpower present at the time of the blast. The government will make whatever efforts are needed for the rescue operations, there will be no lacunae. Our officials, district collector, superintendent of police are at the spot," he said.
Nashik Guardian Minister Dada Bhuse said Chief Minister Shinde may visit the spot to take stock of the situation.
(With PTI inputs)