Blast inside firecracker factory kills 4 in India

At least four people were killed and one injured Friday after a blast took place inside a firecracker factory in east Indian state of West Bengal, reported Xinhua, quoting police.

The blast took place in Kalyani area of Nadia district, about 55 km north of Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal.

"Four persons were killed in this accident and their bodies have been retrieved," a police official said. "One woman has been rescued in injured condition and immediately removed to the hospital."

Police said the impact of the blast triggered a massive fire in the factory.

Television images showed flames and columns of smoke going up in the sky from the factory.

Police said they immediately rushed firefighters and fire tenders to the spot to douse the flame fire and prevent it from spreading in the nearby area.

The cause of the blast was not immediately known, and police have ordered an investigation into the accident.

Accidental explosions are common at Indian firecracker factories and shops as owners usually ignore safety standards.