KUCHING: A powerful explosion rocked Serian town, about 60km from here on Friday afternoon.

The explosion shattered glass panels of many business premises including a petrol kiosk some 500 metres away. It also toppled electric poles and damaged some vehicles.

Hundreds of people were sent running for cover in all directions.

Unconfirmed reports said the explosion was triggered by a fire at an acetylene-processing factory around 3pm.

Eight workers at the factory were said to have been injured and were being treated at the Serian district hospital.

It is learnt some are still trapped under the rubble and fire fighters are still in the midst of rescuing them.