Ahmedabad, Gujrat: A chemical factory godown witnessed huge explosion and a portion collapsed claiming lives of at least 12 workers and nine others were injured.

The godown is located at Pirana-Piplaj road, stored drums of chemicals.

Rescue & search operations carried out for nine hours by city fire brigade. The injured were taken to the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation-run LG Hospital.

A powerful explosion in the godown around 11 am took place destroyed the structure and caused fire in adjacent godowns where labourers were packing ready-made garments, said officials.

"Our operation has come to an end. We pulled out 12 dead bodies from the debris. We also rescued nine people alive. The fire was doused within 30 minutes, the operation was mainly about rescuing people trapped in the rubble," said chief fire officer M F Dastur.

"An NDRF team also joined us in the evening.  It was the explosion which was responsible for the damage and loss of life.” he added,

"There was a fire but it was minor. The godown collapsed due to the explosion. We used concrete-breaker drills to break the concrete slabs to pull out people," he said.

At least 24 rescue and fire fighting vehicles were pressed into service after a call about "a minor fire and explosion'' was received around 11 am, Mr Dastur said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences to the relatives of the victims on Twitter.

"Anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire in a godown in Ahmedabad. Condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers with the injured. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to the affected," the PM tweeted.

President Ram Nath Kovind also offered condolences.