NEW DELHI, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- The death toll in the firecracker factory blast in India's northern state of Punjab on Wednesday has risen to 17, according to local media.

India's national daily, The Hindustan Times, reported that the incident occurred in Batala area of Gurdaspur district in Punjab.

The teams of the National Disaster Response Force and the State Disaster Response Force have been deployed for the rescue operation.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh tweeted, "Deeply anguished to learn of the loss of lives due to the blast in the firecracker factory in Batala. Rescue operations are underway with the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) heading the relief efforts."

Previously, media report said some 50 people feared trapped in the blast. Further details are awaited.