NEW DELHI, Sept. 15 (Xinhuanet) -- At least 50 people were killed and several others critically injured Thursday in explosions at firecracker factories in a village near Patna in Bihar state of India, Indo-Asian News Service reports.

    The explosions took place in three godowns of two firecracker factories at the Khusrupur village around 30 km from the Bihar capital. A short circuit was suspected to have caused the explosions.

    Official sources said 55 people had been killed and nearly 70 injured, many critically. Some died on the way to hospital.

    Patna Rural Superintendent of Police G.P. Sinha said some 15 bodies had been recovered and rescue operations were in progress at the explosion site.

    Over 100 people were in the godowns at the time of the explosions. The godowns were reportedly stocking explosive materials, gas cylinders and powerful crackers. Police officials said the owner of the factories was arrested.

    District officials said a preliminary inquiry had revealed that the explosion took place when firearms were in the making, illegally.

    Bihar is one of the most poverty-ridden, and industry-starved states in India. Enditem