A massive blaze has swept through a fireworks factory in India killing at least 40 workers and injuring 60 others.

The fire spread to 40 of the 60 rooms at the factory, one of the biggest in Sivakasi town in Tamil Nadu state.

Witnesses said flames were billowing out of the Om Siva Shakti fireworks factory where about 300 people were working when the fire started.

Large numbers of fireworks and raw materials were stored in the factory with major Hindu festivals weeks away.

The region has many factories making fireworks, which are used in religious festivals and weddings across India. They also are exported to other Asian countries. Some illegal fireworks factories operate in homes.

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