HYDERABAD: Six persons were killed in a fire that broke out at a chemical factory at Eluru in Andhra Pradesh. 12 sustained serious burns. The preliminary conclusion is that the accident was caused by the leak of nitric acid around 11.30 pm last night. Reports said there were about 30 people in the factory at the time of the accident.

People at the spot said there was an explosion in the fourth unit of the plant followed by a fire. The fire was brought under control by firefighters and police, who rushed the injured to the hospital. The authorities are investigating the accident. Possibility of a sabotage is also being examined.

Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy has announced compensation of Rs 25 lakh for the families of those killed in the accident, Rs 5 lakh for those seriously injured and Rs 2 lakh for those with minor injuries.