NEW DELHI, May 1 (Xinhua) -- At least 15 policemen and a driver were killed Wednesday after Naxals triggered an improvised explosive device (IED) blast targeting their vehicle in western Indian state of Maharashtra, officials said.

The attack was carried out at Jambhulkheda-Kurkheda in Gadchiroli district, about 916 km east of Mumbai, the capital city of Maharashtra.

"A powerful IED blast was triggered targeting a police vehicle here today in which 15 policemen and driver were killed," a police official posted in Gadchiroli told Xinhua.

Gadchiroli district borders Naxal affected Chhattisgarh state.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed anguish over the killing of policemen in the attack.

"Anguished to know that our 16 police personnel from Gadchiroli C-60 force got martyred in a cowardly attack by Naxals today," Fadnavis wrote on twitter. "My thoughts and prayers are with the martyrs' families. I'm in touch with Director General of Police and Gadchiroli Superintendent Police."