Death toll rises to 9 after gas pipeline explodes at Bhilai steel plant

Raipur: At least 9 people died and 14 injured after a gas pipeline exploded in Bhilai Steel Plant in Chhattisgarh's Durg district on Tuesday afternoon.

The blast took place in a pipeline near coke oven section of the plant in Bhilai town, located around 30 km from the state capital Raipur, a local police official told news agency PTI. 

"At least 12 people sustained burn injuries in the explosion," he added. 

Police personnel and a rescue team rushed to the spot, the official said, adding that the injured were rushed to hospital. 

The plant is operated by the state-run Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL). 

Further details are awaited.