Fire at chemical plant in India kills at least 9, researchers seek more victims

THANE, India — Rescuers searched piles of debris and wreckage Friday for bodies after an explosion and fire at a chemical plant in western India that killed at least nine people and left many injured 64 others, officials said.

The explosion of the factory's boiler caused a fire on Thursday that affected neighboring factories and houses in Thane district of Maharashtra state, administrative official Sachin Shejal said.

Shejal said the fire had been extinguished and rescuers were searching through the debris to find two more bodies, although the process was hampered by the presence of huge debris.

Two bodies have been identified so far and seven are burned beyond recognition, Shejal said.

“We have asked family members of the victims to submit DNA samples that could help us identify the bodies,” he said.

The cause of the explosion, which sent a huge cloud of gray smoke over the area, is under investigation.

The factory produced food coloring and used highly reactive chemicals that could cause explosions, the Indian National Disaster Response Force said. Shejal said Thursday's blast caused huge shock waves that damaged nearby factories and shattered windows of nearby houses.

Indian police filed a complaint on Friday for homicide, including negligence in handling toxic substances, against the owners of the factory.

Fires are common across India due to poor safety standards and lax enforcement of regulations. Activists say builders often skimp on safety to cut costs and accuse city officials of negligence and apathy.