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15 killed in Uttaranchal factory explosion

Staff Correspondent

Chief Minister Tiwari orders high-level probe

DEHRA DUN: At least 15 persons killed and several others injured in a boiler explosion at the Shrishyam Paper Mill in Kashipur on Monday.

Uttaranchal Chief Minister Narayan Dutt Tiwari has ordered immediate medical and financial assistance to the families of victims. Firemen from Udham Singh Nagar and Nainital and local officials were trying to rescue those trapped inside the mill when reports last came in.

Health Minister Tilak Raj Behad was at the mishap site overseeing relief and rescue operations and the Chief Minister has ordered a high-level probe into the incident, an official spokesman said.

PTI adds: Top Government officials, however, did not rule out the possibility of more casualties as some people were trapped in the factory where the fire triggered by the explosion raged.

An official statement said nine bodies have been recovered so far.

It said operations were in full swing to rescue all those people feared trapped inside the factory.

The operation of the factory was closed immediately after the explosion.

The condition of some of the injured was stated to be critical.

Most of the paper mill factory labourers belong to Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.

The Chief Minister has also asked the factory owners to provide adequate compensation to the victims.

The explosion was so powerful that it shattered nearby windowpanes causing panic in the area with other factory workers running for safety.

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