Explosion at fireworks factory in India kills at least 10

More than 60 people were injured after blast sparked large blaze in Madhya Pradesh

The fireworks factory went up in flames following the blast. It has been reported that the site was being run illegally. AFP

At least 10 people were killed and dozens injured in an explosion at a fireworks factory in India’s central state of Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday.

The factory, which was reportedly being run illegally, went up in flames after the early morning blast.

Local authorities said they rescued about 65 people and evacuated residents from more than 100 homes near the factory.

"We have recovered 10 bodies. Two were recovered in the evening. The fire has been put out but we are trying to cool down the debris. The rescue would continue for another three hours," Kalash Chand Parte, a senior district administrator, told The National.

“We do not know how many people are inside the factory. Over 65 people have been rushed to hospitals in the state capital Bhopal."

Between 200 and 400 people work at the factory in Harda district, Mr Parte said.

Social media and TV footage showed a fireball and smoke rising into the sky at the site as people ran to safety.

More than a dozen fire engines and ambulances have been deployed and emergency workers from state and national disaster response forces are at the site.

“There was a massive explosion in the factory. The whole city was engulfed with black smoke. After receiving the information, fire brigade vehicles were sent to the spot. The cause of the fire is not known,” police superintendent Sanjeev Kanchan said.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a compensation of 200,000 rupees ($2,400) to the family of those killed and 50,000 rupees to the people injured in the blast.