6 killed in Punjab factory blast

At least six people were burnt alive after an explosion triggered a massive fire in a solvent extraction plant owned by a prominent local businessman in the city on Tuesday. The deceased were workers at the factory,where rice bran oil is produced. At least 15 people were injured,four of whom are said to have received close to 100 per cent burns. Two people have around 80 per cent burns,and one person 65 per cent burns. Twelve of the injured are at PGIMER,Chandigarh. Till late on Wednesday evening,there was no official word on how many workers were inside the factory when the explosion happened. Unconfirmed reports said up to 25 people may have been inside. We asked the factory owner for details of workers… but they told us that all records had been destroyed in the fire, Deputy Commissioner Rahul Tewari said.