A bioethanol plant exploded killing one person and injuring at least ten others in Indonesia on Monday (Aug 10).

Terrified residents living near the building in East Java ran from their homes after hearing the blasts. The explosion was followed by flames which engulfed the plant, which makes substitutes for petrol.

"There were three explosions," said a resident near the factory.

The sound of the explosion could be heard by those living in the Gedeg District of Mojokerto Regency.

The emergency services were called at around 3pm local time.

An officer from the Mojokerto Regional Disaster Management Agency, Yanuar, said that initial reports from staff at the factory were that one person had died.

Two others are reportedly in a critical condition in hospital.

"One person died. There were 10 people injured, two of whom were treated in critical condition," said Yanuar.

All injured victims were taken to the hospital. The fire was successfully extinguished within three hours.