At least 30 people have been killed and 10 injured in a fire at a fireworks warehouse in south-east India, the Press Trust of India says, BBC reported.

Police said 30 charred bodies had been pulled from the warehouse at Pallipat, near Chennai, according to the report.

Most of the victims were reported to be traders buying up fireworks ahead of the Diwali festival on Saturday.

It was not immediately clear how the fire started. Accidental explosions are common at Indian fireworks factories.

Many such factories are illegal, providing fireworks for weddings, festivals and other ceremonies.

In July at least 16 people were killed after an explosion and fire at another fireworks factory in Tamil Nadu state, of which Chennai is the capital.

Fireworks celebrations are an important part of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.