2 killed in blast at ordnance factory in Pune

Pune, Mar 18 (UNI) Two persons were killed and at least eight workers received injuries in a blast at the ordnance factory on Dehu road here in the early hours today.

The blast reportedly occurred in a shed of the factory where gunpowder was stored.

However, Pune Rural Superintendent of Police Viswas Nagre Patil, who visited the side this morning, told UNI that the blast could have occurred due to the burning of magnesium candles, which were also stored in the shed.

The explosion was confined only to a small area in the factory, police said and added that at the time of the incident, there were about 30 employees present in the section.

The deceased have been identified as Khandal Agale and Thorat, police said.

The defence and senior police official are trying to find out the cause of the blast.

Further details are awaited.

The factory situated at the Dehu road here is an important military establishment.

UNI SP GK VD KN1425