NEW DELHI, March 12 (Xinhua) -- At least five people have been killed and four others suffered burn injures in a devastating blaze inside a fireworks factory in southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, officials said.
The fire broke out Saturday in Sivakasi town, Virudhunagar district, about 543 km south of Chennai city, the capital of Tamil Nadu.
"Five persons including three women were killed and four others suffered serious burn injuries in a fire accident at a firecracker unit," a local government official at Virudhunagar said, adding "the accidental blast occurred while mixing of chemicals to make crackers in the private unit."
The injured were immediately rushed to government-run health facility in Sivakasi, according to locals.
The victims were local residents working in the factory.
The fire according to police razed down four sheds, where huge stock of highly inflammable chemicals and crackers were stored.
Accidental explosions are common at Indian fireworks factories and shops.
In India, firecrackers are set off during festivals, weddings and other merrymaking ceremonies.
