At least nine persons died and 19 were injured after a boiler exploded at an electronic equipment manufacturing factory in Uttar Pradesh’s Hapur district on Saturday, ANI reported, citing the authorities.

A fire broke out in the factory due to the explosion, due to which labourers got trapped inside.

Hapur District Magistrate Medha Roopam told reporters that the factory had clearance to manufacture electronic equipment but it will be investigated if it was being used for some other purpose.

“A committee will be formed...Forensic team [is] finding out what chemical has been retrieved,” she said, according to ANI.

Fire tenders took nearly three hours to douse the fire, News18 reported. The injured persons have been hospitalised. Hapur Inspector General Praveen Kumar said that the police are investigating to identify those responsible for the blast.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath expressed condolences to the families of those who died. He directed the district administration to visit the site and ensure that rescue operations are carried out quickly and proper treatment is provided to the injured.