Nagpur: An early morning blast at an explosives manufacturing factory in Nagpur, Maharashtra, claimed at least 15 lives on Sunday. The blast was followed by a massive fire.
The blast occurred at a factory producing gunpowder, detonators and other explosive materials near Ralgaon in the Katol taluka, as reported by abp LIVE.
At least 32 workers and two supervisors were present within the premises of SBL Energy Ltd when the blast occurred. Initially, around 15 workers were rushed to a nearby hospital. At least 18 others were also injured and officials believe that the death toll could rise.
The massive blaze sent thick plumes of smoke into the sky. The incident occurred between 6 and 7 am and rescue operations were launched immediately. Fire department staff and the police reached the spot and brought out the injured.
The exact cause of the explosion is not known but preliminary reports suggest that it occurred when a wire was being connected to a detonator. Forensics teams will collect samples to ascertain the exact cause. It will also be checked whether all safety norms were followed.
The m blast was so severe that a concrete structure at the site was completely destroyed. Panic stricken locals said the sound of the explosion was heard several kilometres away. Thick smoke rising from the factory was also visible from a long distance.
“It is clear that explosives stored at the factory went off. We will now have to check if these explosives were stored properly and all safety norms were followed,” an official said.
