Dhule: Shah speaks to Fadnavis as chemical factory explosion toll reaches 13

Mumbai/Shirpur: Union Home Minister Amit Shah Saturday spoke to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and took stock of the situation arising out of the explosion at a chemical factory in Dhule in which 13 people were killed and atleast 58 were injured on Saturday.

During the telephonic conversation, the chief minister conveyed to the home minister that the state government has been doing its best to help those who are in distress.

"Anguished to learn about the loss of lives due to explosion at a chemical factory in Dhule, Maharashtra. Have spoken to CM @Dev_Fadnavis, state govt is doing everything possible to assist the people in need. My condolences with the bereaved families. May injured recover soon," Shah tweeted.

12 people were feared killed and 58 were injured on Saturday morning in explosion of cylinders at a chemical factory in Dhule district of Maharashtra, police said.

At least 100 workers were present inside the factory, located in Waghadi village in Shirpur taluka, when the incident occurred around 9:45 am, a senior police officer told PTI.

"Prima facie, multiple cylinders exploded at the factory. At least eight bodies have been recovered by police and rescue teams so far. Rescue operation is on," said the Shirpur police station officer.

Various teams of police, disaster management, fire brigade are conducting rescue operations.