6 killed, 5 injured in blast inside steel plant in India's Chhattisgarh

NEW DELHI, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- At least six workers were killed and five others injured Thursday in a blast inside a steel plant in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh, officials said.

The blast took place inside the steel plant at Bakulahi village in the Balodabazar-Bhatapara district, about 101 km northeast of Raipur, the capital city of Chhattisgarh.

According to officials, the explosion occurred in the dust settling chamber of the plant, spewing hot dust on the workers present there, causing serious burns.

Eyewitnesses told officials the explosion triggered panic inside the plant premises, and workers were seen rushing out amid thick smoke and flames.

Authorities have ordered an investigation into the blast.