1 killed, 51 injured in Mexico candy factory blast

An ambulance is seen parked outside a candy factory after an explosion in Ciudad Juarez October 24, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

MEXICO CITY - At least 1 person was killed and 51 others wounded Thursday in a candy factory blast in the border city of Ciudad Juarez, capital of the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua, local authorities said.

The Chihuahua state prosecutor's office reported the death of a worker inside the Blueberry factory, located in the Industrial Park Benito Juarez bordering US state of Texas.

The office also said at least 51 people were injured, 10 seriously and the rescue efforts are under way.

The Ciudad Juarez's Mayor Enrique Serrano said the explosion happened at around 2:00 pm (1900 GMT) local time and the injured were taken to nearby hospitals.

Ciudad Juarez Civil Protection Director Fernando Mota said there are dozens of workers missing and they could be trapped inside the building.

Chihuahua state's Governor Cesar Duarte Jaquez said on his Twitter that "We regret the incident happening in Ciudad Juarez's factory; relief units are transporting the wounded to hospitals," adding that the government is willing to provide all necessary assistance to the injured people

Local TV said an accumulation of gas led to the explosion of a boiler, causing the collapse of part of the second floor of the candy factory, injuring more than 30 employees in the operational area, who were hurt by the blow of the explosion and then pieces of concrete falling from the ceiling.

Some six ambulances rushed to the scene to take the injured to the nearby hospitals, while Civil Protection personnel evacuated hundreds of employees of the plant.