At least 12 people were killed and 50 others injured after a series of explosions rocked a chemical factory in Dhule district of India's Maharashtra state, according to the reports on Saturday. 

The first explosion happened around 9:45 a.m. local time, with 100 workers inside the factory at the time, a local official said.

"There was a 200-liter chemical barrel that exploded first, then the fire spread to other parts of the factory and there were more blasts," Reuters reported citing a local official.

Local media said the thick black smoke can be seen outside of the factory. 

The search and rescue mission is currently underway. The cause of the incident is still unknown.

(Top image: VCG file photo)