2 killed in blast at firecracker factory in India's Tamil Nadu

NEW DELHI, Aug. 13 (Xinhua) -- At least two people were killed Thursday in a massive explosion at a firecracker factory in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, the police said.

The blast took place near Sivakasi area of Virudhunagar district, about 540 km southwest of Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu.

According to the police, an engineer from Gujarat was installing and testing a newly purchased machine at the factory used for mixing chemicals.

"A worker present there was killed on the spot, and the engineer suffered 95 percent burns. Though he was taken to Sivakasi Government Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries," the police said.

Following the explosion, a fierce fire engulfed the factory.

Reports said rescue teams were conducting intense search operations inside the factory premises to ensure no workers were trapped in the debris.

The police have ordered an investigation into the incident.