At least nine persons, including six women, were killed and three others seriously injured when a powerful blast ripped through an explosives manufacturing factory in the rural part of Nagpur district in Maharashtra on Sunday.
According to police authorities, the blast took place at 9 a.m. in a cast booster unit of Solar Industries India Ltd. at Bazaargaon, around 60 km away from Nagpur. Twelve labourers were said to be present when the explosion occurred.
The injured are said to be in a critical condition and the death toll could rise further, said informed sources.
Company officials said the accident occurred in the building where boosters used in coal mines were produced. Locals said the tremors of the blast could be felt in nearby villages.
“The incident took place during a sieving operation [the explosive raw material is sieved before use] in a building where boosters for use in coal mines are made. Prima facie, nine persons have died following the explosion. The situation is under control. No labourer was currently in the building,” said a senior company official.
Ex gratia announced
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who hails from Nagpur, visited the accident site. He said the Maharashtra government had announced an ex gratia of ₹5 lakh to the nearest kin of the deceased.
“This is an extremely unfortunate and tragic accident. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has already announced compensation of ₹5 lakh for each of the kin of the deceased. We are thoroughly probing the cause of the accident,” said Mr. Fadnavis.
He said the company manufactured drones and explosives for security units.
“I pay my heartfelt respects to the deceased. The State government stands firmly with every family on this sad occasion,” Mr. Fadnavis had posted on X.
Expressing his grief over the accident, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde directed the district administration and the police to follow up the case and provide immediate succour to the victims, particularly in the provision of timely and quality treatment to the injured.
A mob of irate labourers converged near the company gate soon after the explosion, demanding explanation from the company management regarding the fate of the deceased.
Several complained about overwork, while some labourers said they were recalled to duty after the completion of their shift on the occasion.
The police later cordoned off the area.
“We have redirected our forces from other areas to the site and are closely monitoring the situation,” said Harsh Poddar, Nagpur Rural Superintendent of Police.
