A minor explosion, injuring 12 people, occurred at Hindustan Insecticides Limited in Ernakulam district in Kerala on Wednesday.

The explosion occurred at the Eloor plant at around 10.15 am, when a consignment of Carbon Disulphate from Israel was being transferred from a tanker to a storage facility in the plant.

During the transfer, the chemical leaked, and exploded after coming into contact with oxygen in the air.

12 people sustained injuries in the explosion and the resultant fire. They are now undergoing treatment at KIMS hospital in Edappally. 

Two of the injured, including the plant manager who sustained 70% burns, are reportedly in a critical condition. 

Fire and rescue personnel have reached the spot and are dousing the fire, say reports. 

HIL officials told journalists that the plant has handled many consigments of this chemical substance over the years, and has never before faced any such situation.

District Collector Mohammed Y Safirulla told Asianet News that efforts are being made to cool off the tanker. 

“There is nothing to panic over, the situation is completely under control. The leak occurred while it was being transported to the plant. Those injured are getting medical help,” the District Collector said.