At least seven persons were killed and 48 injured following an explosion at a chemical factory in Maharashtra's Thane district on Thursday afternoon, officials said

The incident took place at Amudan Chemicals located in Phase 2 of Dombivli MIDC area around 1.40 pm

Its impact and the resultant blaze affected adjacent factories

As per the preliminary information, those killed were working in neighbouring factories, said Maharashtra industries minister Uday Samant

"Injured are being treated at AIMS, Neptune and Global hospitals, and every kind of assistance is being provided. Praying for their speedy recovery. Various teams and administrative officials are on the spot for rescue operations," Maharashtra deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis said

Besides fire brigade, police and local officials, the NDRF too was taking part in the rescue operation, officials said