Explosion & fire in chemical factory at Maharashtra's Dhule: Updates

Update at 15:40: Death toll rises to 13 

Update at 14:41

Amit Shah speaks to Maharashtra CM on explosion in chemical factory

Union Home Minister Amit Shah Saturday spoke to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and took stock of the situation arising out of the explosion at a chemical factory in Dhule in which at least 12 people were killed on Saturday. During the telephonic conversation, the chief minister conveyed to the home minister that the state government has been doing its best to help those who are in distress.

Several teams of police, disaster management, fire brigade were conducting rescue operations at the site. 

Update at 13:33: Death toll increases to 12, 15 people are reported to be critically injured 

Update at 12:00: 6 dead and 43 injured until now says SP of Dhule

Update at 11:33: 10 fire tenders are at the spot as they attempt to douse the fire

At least eight workers were feared killed on Saturday morning in an explosion of cylinders at a chemical factory in Dhule district of Maharashtra, police said.

At least 100 workers were present inside the factory, located in Waghadi village in Shirpur taluka when the incident occurred around 9:45 am, a senior police officer told PTI.

"Prima facie, multiple cylinders exploded at the factory. At least eight bodies have been recovered by police and rescue teams so far. The rescue operation is on," said the Shirpur police station officer.

Various teams of police, disaster management, the fire brigade are conducting rescue operations.

(With agency inputs)

More updates to follow.