An explosion at a fireworks factory in southern India has triggered a massive blaze that killed at least 52 people.

Officials say Wednesday's blast swept through a fireworks plant on the outskirts of Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu state.

Another 50 people were injured.

Local media reported that about 300 people were working in the factory at the time of the blast, and that some people who tried rescuing others became trapped in the fire.

Huge plumes of smoke could be seen as far as 1.5 kilometers from the factory, which stored large amounts of fireworks and chemicals.

The cause of the explosion was not immediately known.

Sivakasi is India's manufacturing hub for fireworks, which are often used during religious festivals and weddings in India.

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