The death toll in a chemical factory in India's southern state of Telangana rose to 40 on Wednesday.

The massive blast took place on Monday in the Pashamylaram industrial area of the state's Sangareddy district.

The ill-fated unit belonged to the Sigachi Industries, which announced a monetary compensation of 10 million Indian Rupees (116,645 U.S. dollars) for the families of each of the dead in the mishap.

Besides, as many as 33 people were also injured in the blast, and several of them were said to be in critical condition. The death toll was feared to rise further.

A search continued for those who were still missing. There were 143 workers in the plant when the blast occurred. Some of them escaped unhurt.

The company said that the accident was not caused by a reactor explosion, and the unit would be shut down for the next 90 days till the government-led investigation into the blast concludes.

xinhua