Surat: At least six persons, including four women, were killed and 50 others injured when a multi- storeyed building collapsed after a powerful blast early on August 3, police sources said.

The blast was so powerful that two adjoining buildings also collapsed, they said.

The explosion occurred at 03.25 hours (IST) in mini Saurashtra Varacha area in the eastern part of Surat.

Five of those killed have been identified as Ashish Vinubhai Rakholia, Sanduben Meghjibhia Dobaria, Kiranben Meghjibai Dobaria, Shitalben Dinesh Sanghvi and Nanduben Veljibhai.

The injured, some of whom were in serious condition, have been admitted to three different hospitals, the sources said.

District police and fire personnel were still engaged in rescue operations at the site.

The cause of the explosion was yet to be ascertained.

PTI