One man killed and ten injured in missile accident

A missile has exploded at a weapons plant in Hyderabad, India, killing one man and injuring 10 others.

The short-range missile was being prepared for display to a top defence ministry official.

Defence Secretary Yogendra Narayana was in a different section of the vast complex of state-owned Bharat Dynamics Ltd. when the missile exploded and a fire broke out, an official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Mr Narayana escaped unharmed.

A quality control inspector, identified as V N Chary, died instantly after being hit by shrapnel, other officials said, also refusing to be identified by name.

Workers with burns and shrapnel injuries were taken to a nearby hospital.

Four fire engines and several ambulances were sent to the complex. Officials refused to describe the extent of the damage or whether the fire had been put out.

Bharat Dynamics is a huge complex in a south-eastern suburb of Hyderabad, the Andhra Pradesh state capital. It manufactures defence equipment, including components for India's missile program