The death toll from a boiler explosion at a chemical factory in western Uttar Pradesh's Hapur district increased to 13, District Magistrate Medha Roopam told ANI.
At least 19 others were injured in the incident which took place on Saturday afternoon, 4 June.
"Total 19 injured, 9 dead (in the explosion). Permission was for manufacturing electronics goods here but has to be probed what really was happening," Hapur DM Medha Roopam said.
"A committee will be formed. Forensic team finding out what chemical has been retrieved (in the explosion at the manufacturing factory)," she added.
Earlier, Hapur Inspector General of Police Praveen Kumar said, "Injured are being treated. We are probing the matter. Action will be taken against those responsible."
The police said that there were 25 people in the affected area in the factory, which is in UPSIDC industrial area in Dholana, when the incident took place.
Roofs of some of the factories in the vicinity were also damaged due to the explosion's impact.
The fire tenders took three hours to douse the blaze in the factory, which is located adjacent to a CNG pump.
Officials said that rescue and relief measures were continuing at the site.
PM Modi, CM Yogi Offer Condolences
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the kin of those who lost their lives in the incident. He added, "State government is actively involved in the treatment of the injured and will offer all possible help."
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also offered his condolences to the families of the deceased.
“The chief minister has directed district administration officers to go to the spot and oversee rescue and relief measures and extend all possible help to the victims and their families,” the CM's office tweeted.
Nand Gopal Gupta, the UP minister for industrial development, also expressed grief over the loss of lives.
“May God give peace to the departed souls and strength to the bereaved families to bear the immense loss. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” the minister tweeted.
(With inputs from PTI.)
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