Eight workers were killed in a deadly explosion at a fireworks factory in India.

The powerful blast that triggered a massive fire occurred while chemicals were reportedly being mixed to produce firecrackers in Anakapalle, Andhra Pradesh.

Authorities confirmed that 16 individuals were present inside the Vijayalakshmi firecracker plant when the tragedy unfolded on Sunday afternoon, April 13.

Seven others sustained injuries and were transported to hospital, with two reported to be in critical condition.

Residents rushed to the site after hearing the explosion and promptly alerted emergency services.

Police said the fire originated in the explosive storage area, leaving several workers trapped inside.

An official added: 'The stockpile of crackers caught fire, and within minutes, the entire unit was turned into rubble.'

Fire service personnel discovered additional firecrackers in the storage room and quickly neutralised the risk by dousing the materials with water before burying them.

Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu directed District Collector Vijaya Krishnan to ensure the injured receive the best possible medical treatment and that compensation is provided to the victims' families.

Naidu said: 'We will support the affected families. I urge them to be brave. I have ordered an investigation into the incident and a report to be made.'

Firecrackers and fireworks play a major role in India's religious and cultural celebrations. However, due to frequent mishandling and poor safety standards, fireworks-related accidents are common, resulting in hundreds of injuries and fatalities each year.