14 injured in blast following leak of chemical

The accident occurred when carbon disulfide brought to HIL in a tanker lorry caught fire as the chemical was being transferred to the facility set up in the factory, injuring 14 persons, police said.

Carbon disulfide is a colourless, flammable and poisonous chemical.

A leak in the pipe is suspected to be the reasons for the fire followed by the blast, police said.

"Fourteen persons have been admitted to various hospitals in Ernakulam. The condition of two of them is serious," Ernakulam District Collector K Mohammed Y Safirulla said.

The Collector, who visited the site soon after the incident, ordered a probe into the incident.

"I have sought a report from the joint director of the Department of Factories and Boilers. The official has been directed to conduct a probe and provide the report in two days," Safirulla told PTI.

The Department of Factories and Boilers under the Ministry of Labour looks after the safety, health and welfare of workers employed in factories.

The Collector said the situation is under control.

Fire engines, which rushed to the area, doused the flames.

Hindustan Insecticides Limited is a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers.