From correspondents in India, 10:02 PM IST

At least eight people including five women and two children were killed in a massive blast in an illegal firecracker manufacturing unit in the Akkayapalem neighbourhood here Thursday.

Police said the house, where firecrackers were being illegally manufactured, collapsed completely in the blast.

The explosion occurred when firecrackers were being manufactured, police said.

Eyewitnesses said more people could be trapped in the rubble. Rescue teams rushed to the spot and carried out operations.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)