Blast at Bihar fireworks factory kills 5

Explosions were so powerful that they damaged four nearby buildings, police say

At least five people died and 20 others were seriously injured after a powerful explosion ignited deadly fire at an illegally-run firecracker factory in Bihar late on Thursday night. The victims included three children and a woman.

The injured were admitted to the local hospital for treatment, with the condition of some said to be very critical.

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar ordered a high-level investigation into the blast.

The cause of explosion was not yet known, officials said.

The incident took place at Khasganj village, which falls under Sohsarai police station, in Nalanda, the home district of the chief minister.

Witnesses said villagers were preparing to go to sleep, with some in bed, when powerful explosions rocked the area.

Before many knew what had happened, the explosion ignited devastating fires which soon engulfed the adjoining houses.

For some time, the blasts continued at intervals as the deadly fire had completely taken over the firecracker factory, while villagers fled their homes.

According to villagers, the blasts were so powerful that they even damaged some adjoining houses which eventually collapsed and the sound was heard several kilometres away.

Many villagers were struck by the debris from the damaged homes, reports said.

Senior officials rushed to the spot and began investigations in to the matter. A case has been registered against the factory owner, identified as Mohammad Sarfaraz.