NEW DELHI, Nov 1: Seven people were killed in the Indian state of Gujarat and an unkno-wn number of others were injured by an accidental explosion at a fireworks factory, police said on Tuesday.

“The blast happened inside a small factory where crackers were being stockpiled for the festival of Diwali.

“Most of the people who died were members of a single family,” D. S. Bhatt, superintendent of police, told Aajtak news channel.

The Hindu festival of Diwali involves lighting lamps or candles and exchanging gifts. Fireworks have become an increasingly common part of the festival.

Bhatt said the blast did not appear to have been triggered by a bomb.

“It does not appear to be some kind of a sabotage or criminal attack,” Bhatt said.

He was not able to say how many people were injured in the explosion.—AFP