Nine People killed in Tragic Blast at Explosives Manufacturing Factory in Nagpur

Nine individuals tragically lost their lives and three others sustained serious injuries in a devastating blast that occurred at an explosives manufacturing factory in Chakdoh, located in Maharashtra’s Nagpur district. The incident took place on Sunday, leaving the local community in shock and mourning.

The explosion transpired in building number HR-CPCH-2 (Mixing, Melting, and Casting) of Solar Industries India Limited, according to Ashish Srivastava, the senior general manager of the company. Expressing his condolences, Srivastava stated, “A tragic incident occurred at 9 am, where nine workers lost their lives.”

Following the blast, enraged locals and relatives of the workers swiftly gathered at the site, blocking the Amravati-Nagpur highway adjacent to the explosives manufacturing unit. Demonstrators voiced their grievances, demanding access to the premises to witness the bodies of their loved ones. Approximately 200 individuals formed a significant crowd outside the factory gate, while police attempted to pacify them and urged them to disperse.

Amidst the chaos, a senior police official informed the Press Trust of India (PTI) that securing the explosive materials near the blast site was currently in progress. Once the area is deemed safe, the bodies of the deceased will be recovered.

In response to this tragic event, the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister swiftly visited the blast site to offer his condolences and provide support to the affected families. In a social media post, the Deputy Chief Minister, X, announced that the state government would provide a compensation amount of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of each victim, with an additional Rs 20 lakh coming from the company.

Moreover, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident, as confirmed by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar during his visit to the site. The Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, Vijay Wadettiwar, emphasized the need for the state government to provide a compensation amount of Rs 50 lakh to the families of the deceased, along with job opportunities. He also called for the company owner to be held accountable, demanding that an offense be registered against them.

Wadettiwar and fellow party member Sunil Kedar visited the factory site to assess the situation. Expressing his concerns, Wadettiwar highlighted the difficulties in locating the bodies due to the intensity of the blast. He further questioned the safety measures implemented at the facility and sought information regarding the training and skills of the deceased workers.

With the Winter Session of the Legislature currently underway in Nagpur, Wadettiwar plans to raise the issue in the Assembly on Monday, ensuring that the tragic incident receives the attention it deserves.

Prior to his visit to the site, Srivastava reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting the affected families both immediately and in the future. He assured that the recommendations from the forthcoming inquiry committee would be promptly implemented.

Speaking to reporters, Srivastava disclosed that the blast occurred in the building where boosters used in coal mines are manufactured. The incident took place during the sealing process of the product.

According to Fadnavis, nine individuals, including six women, lost their lives in the blast at Solar Industries. This company specializes in the production of drones and explosives for the armed forces.

As authorities continue to assess the extent of the damage, a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion is underway. Superintendent of Police Harsh Poddar emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of the surrounding areas.

As of late Sunday night, the bodies of the victims remained at the site, awaiting recovery. NCP MLA and former state home minister Anil Deshmukh, who visited the scene, confirmed that the entire area had been sealed off. The bodies would only be retrieved once the area is fully secured and deemed safe.

This tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety in manufacturing facilities, and it calls for a collective effort to prevent such disasters in the future.