At least five workers were killed and over 150 injured in a blast at a factory in Dombivli area of Thane district today. Reports say the blast occurred in the boiler unit of a chemical manufacturing unit at Shivaji Udyog Nagar leading to a massive fire in the factory.

Over a dozen fire tenders were rushed to the site for rescue work, which was underway till the reports last came in.

Massive blast



Locals said that the blast was so powerful that its impact was felt upto 4 to 5 kms from the accident site. Windows of several nearby buildings were shattered in the blast.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis visits chemical factory in Dombivali, where blast took place earlier today pic.twitter.com/ZUzCUaI8a7 ANI (@ANI_news) May 26, 2016

The factory building has also suffered extensive damage in the blast.

CM Fadnavis overseeing rescue work

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said he was in touch with the local administration and asked the concerned authorities to speed up relief and rescue work

"Saddened to know about the unfortunate and tragic incident that took place at Dombivali. Spoke to police officials, local authorities and asked them to speed up the relief operations," Fadnavis said in a series of tweets.

"We are constantly in touch with the local administration and we would leave no stone unturned in our efforts and relief operation," the CM added.