Fatal blasts at India factories

At least eight people have died in blasts at two explosives factories in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, officials say.

The two adjacent factories in Singrauli district - which made explosives for mining operations - were reduced to rubble by the impact of the blasts.

Nearly 40 people have been admitted to hospital with injuries.

Officials say it is not yet known what caused the explosions. Rescue teams have been sent to the area.

The first blast occurred in the Ideal Explosive Industries in Singrauli district on Sunday morning.

The blast was so powerful that it also reduced the nearby Rajasthan Explosives factory to rubble, officials said.

They said rescue operations were ongoing to see if more people were still trapped under the rubble.