NEW DELHI, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- At least 11 people were killed and many others injured Monday in a massive blast at a firecracker factory in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, officials said.
The blast took place in Manori village of Kaushambi district, about 205 km south of Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh.
Rescue efforts are underway, said Kaushambi district magistrate Amit Pal. Police suspect more people might be trapped underneath, and there are fears the death toll could increase.
Local television news channel NDTV, quoting officials, said more than 18 people are suspected to have been injured in the incident.
The explosion reportedly caused extensive damage to the factory and five to six nearby structures.
Local media reports said the explosion also disrupted train services on the Delhi-Howrah line for about an hour. ■
