Nagpur factory blast: In the explosive blast, 20 workers were killed; 15 were critical

A blast at an ammunition factory in Nagpur killed 20 and injured 15; rescue operations are ongoing.

A tragic incident unfolded in Nagpur in Maharashtra, where an explosive blast killed 20 and injured 15 others. Rescue operations following the blast are ongoing, with investigations into safety protocols underway. The powerful blast in the factory happened in an explosives factory.

An explosives factory blast in Nagpur kills 20.

On Sunday morning, at least 20 people were killed and around 15 others critically injured after a powerful explosion tore through an ammunition manufacturing unit at Raulgaonvillage in Kalmeshwartaluka, about 35 km from Nagpur. As per the district administration, the blast occurred around 6.45 am at SBL Explosives Ltd, shortly after the morning shift began at 6 am. Nearly 35 workers, supervised by two officials, were inside the unit when the explosion triggered massive flames that engulfed the premises within minutes. The company is a major manufacturer of industrial explosives, including detonators and explosive cartridges used in mining and infrastructure projects. Fire brigade teams rushed to the spot, while Kalmeshwar police launched rescue operations. Ambulances transported the injured to various hospitals in Nagpur for urgent treatment. Inspector General of Police SandipPatil said, “We are engaged in rescue operations, and it is difficult at this stage to confirm the exact number of casualties.”

A detailed probe has been initiated in the blast case.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Harssh A. Poddar said that a detailed probe has been initiated. “We are ensuring a technical and scientific investigation, with senior officers supervising all operations and subsequent action,” he added. Police, the fire brigade and the district administration remained on standby to assess the risk of further explosions. Once the area was declared safe, cooling operations began, and rescue teams worked to extricate those trapped under the debris.

Former Maharashtra Home Minister and NCP (SP) leader Anil Deshmukh also visited the site and expressed grave concern. He said, “In view of repeated blasts at explosive factories in Nagpur, including incidents at Solar Industries India Limited, I had demanded a comprehensive safety audit of all explosive units in the region in September last year from Chief Minister DevendraFadnavis, so that such incidents could be prevented.”