Seven people were killed and dozens more injured when a boiler exploded at a chemicals factory in India on Thursday afternoon.

The blast ripped through the Amber Chemical Company in the industrial area of Dombivli in Maharashtra at around 1:40 pm local time.

Huge plumes of smoke were seen as the sound of the explosion reportedly reached as far as three miles from the blast site.

Officials said the fire spread to nearby factories and nearby homes were being evacuated.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that eight workers who were trapped inside the factory have been rescued and taken to hospital.

He said: 'Arrangements have been made to treat the injured and more ambulances have been kept ready. I have discussed with the Thane collector and they are also reaching the spot.

'Teams of NDRF, TDRF, and fire brigade have been called. I pray to God for the speedy recovery of the injured.'