Saturday, Indian authorities announced that at least 19 people were killed and many were injured in an explosion at a firecracker factory in Verodunagar, Tamil Nadu state, India.

Local authorities told AFP that it was the worst disaster of its kind in the southern state.

"The death toll could rise in the coming hours," local official R. Kanan told AFP, adding that "so far, 34 injured people are receiving treatment. Some of them are badly burned," he added.

Kanan stated that there were roughly 74 people in the factory at the time of the accident.

According to media reports, the factory is 'illegal'. According to the news site 'The Newsmenet', the owner is currently missing and police are investigating the incident.

In turn, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the compensation of 200,000 rupees ($ 2,700) for the families of the deceased.