Asmany as thirteen people were killed in a massive explosion that took place in afirecracker factory in Punjab's Gurdaspur on Wednesday afternoon.

Meanwhile,fire tenders have rushed to the spot to control the fire from spreading intonearby places.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh stated that rescue operations are underway. "Deeply anguished to learn of the loss of lives due to the blast in the firecracker factory in Batala. Rescue operations are underway with the DC & SSP heading the relief efforts," the CM tweeted.