At least 15 workers were feared killed and two others injured seriously in an explosion in a gelatine manufacturing factory in Nasik district early Saturday morning, police said.

The blast occurred in Premier Explore Chemical Company in Harsule village, about 35 km from Nashik, at around 0200 hours and the three-storey building collapsed due to the impact of the explosion, they said.

Police have so far recovered two dead bodies from the debris. Two injured workers were admitted to Nashik Civil Hospital.

The factory operates in three shifts with 20 workers in each shift.

Top police officials have rushed to the spot and rescue work is in progress. Fire tenders from Nashik, Sinnar and Sangamner have also been pressed into service.