India, Feb. 7 -- At least three people were killed in an explosion at an illegal firecracker factory in West Bengal's Nadia district on Friday afternoon, and rescue operations are underway even as the police believe the death toll could increase.

"We have recovered three charred bodies from the site. The death toll could rise," a police officer said.

Locals, however, told media persons that at least four charred bodies were recovered from the site, while one person was injured. The bodies and the injured person were rushed to the JNM Hospital in Kalyani.

"There was a deafening sound and the ground shook. Locals spotted four charred bodies. At least three were women," said Saibal Dutta, a local who rushed to the spot.

"The explosion to...