As many as 100 workers were present in the factory. (Express photo) As many as 100 workers were present in the factory. (Express photo)

At least 13 workers were killed and 58 injured on Saturday in an explosion of cylinders at a chemical factory based in Maharashtra’s Dhule. Out of the 58 injured, 12 are stated to be in a critical condition.

As many as 100 workers were present in the factory when the incident occurred around 9:30 am. The factory is located the Waghadi village in Shirpur taluka of Dhule district.

The factory is located the Waghadi village in Shirpur taluka of Dhule district. (Express photo) The factory is located the Waghadi village in Shirpur taluka of Dhule district. (Express photo)

“Prima facie, multiple cylinders exploded at the factory. At least eight bodies have been recovered by police and rescue teams so far. Rescue operation is on,” the Shirpur police station officer was quoted as saying by PTI.

Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and took stock of the situation arising out of the explosion. “Anguished to learn about the loss of lives due to explosion at a chemical factory in Dhule, Maharashtra. Have spoken to CM @Dev_Fadnavis, state govt is doing everything possible to assist the people in need. My condolences with the bereaved families. May injured recover soon,” Shah tweeted.

Anguished to learn about the loss of lives due to explosion at a chemical factory in Dhule, Maharashtra. Have spoken to CM @Dev_Fadnavis, state govt is doing everything possible to assist the people in need. My condolences with the bereaved families. May injured recover soon. — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 31, 2019

Expressing his grief over the loss of lives in the explosion, Fadnavis announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the kin of the deceased. In a tweet, Fadnavis also said that Guardian Minister, Collector, superintendent of police are present on the spot along with the SDRF team. The fire is said to be under control now.

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