Kuala Lumpur  - An Indian worker suffered severe burns when gas cylinders exploded at a factory in the northern Perak state, police said Friday.

The victim, along with two other workers, were refilling oxigen into the cylinders late Thursday when the explosion occurred, said a state police spokesman.

A total of 50 firemen managed to put out the fire about an hour later, district fire officer Nazri Zakaria was quoted as saying by the Star online news portal.

Thursday night's explosion was the second such incident at the factory, the report said.

State health and environment chairman A Sivanesan said the government would investigate the cause of the explosion.

"The factory's production has been temporarily suspended to allow investigations," he was quoted as saying.

Police said the victim has been warded for severe burns on his body, but remains in stable condition. (dpa)