By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, October 13, 2017: As many as 12 persons were injured on Friday following an explosion in a blast furnace of KJS Ahluwalia sponge plant under Rugudi police limits in Keonjhar district.

The victims sustained critical burn injuries and were admitted to Tisco hospital in Joda. Four of them were later shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for better treatment.

Tension gripped the plant premises as workers staged dharna following the accident demanding their safety.

Police has began investigation into the incident but the reason behind the blast is yet to be ascertained.