20 hurt in factory blast

Erode, Aug 8 (UNI) Twenty people sustained minor injuries and about 80 houses were partially damaged in a blast at a soap manufacturing unit at Vairapalayam in this district.

According to police, a boiler blasted off yesterday morning when workers were engaged in production. The factory producing sodium silicate for detergent soap-making and dyeing industries has been functioning for the last 30 years.

The injured were admitted to Erode Government Hospital and a private hopital. Their condition is stated to be stable.

The police have registered a case against the factory owner.

UNI