Major fire breaks out at chemical factory in India's Mumbai

A major fire broke out at a chemical factory in India's financial capital Mumbai Thursday, officials said.

"The blaze stared at the factory located in Taloja area of Mumbai around 1 a.m. (local time) and soon engulfed large parts of the charcoal tar unit. Fortunately, there have been no reports of any casualty as all the workers were safely evacuated," a senior police official said.

Eight fire tenders have been pressed into service. "Fire is still raging, despite efforts to contain it. The entire area has been evacuated as the inferno could spread due to the substance stored in the factory," a fire official said.

Local TV channels showed footage of smoke billowing out of the charcoal tar factory as fire fighters were trying their best to douse the flames.

"A probe has been ordered into the incident," the fire official said.

Last month, a major fire engulfed a slum in Mumbai just outside a crowded railway station. Four people, including three firemen, had sustained injuries in the incident.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)