Over 15 killed, 18 critically injured in blast at explosives factory in Nagpur

The blast occurred at at the factory of SBL Energy Limited, a company manufacturing explosives for mining and industrial purposes.

• At least 15 killed in explosion at Nagpur explosives factory
• Rescue and relief operations underway, investigation ordered
• Most victims were women; injured shifted to Nagpur hospital

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At least 15 people were killed in an explosion at an explosives manufacturing factory in Maharashtra's Nagpur district on Sunday morning. Police said several of those killed were women.

Police said the blast occurred at the factory of SBL Energy Limited, a company manufacturing explosives for mining and industrial purposes, located in Raulgaon of Katol tehsil, around 25km from Nagpur city.

According to initial reports, the explosion occurred at 6:45am in the non-metallic crimping plant area, causing a major fire. At the time of the incident, approximately 35 workers were present under the supervision of two supervisors.

The company is a major manufacturer of industrial explosives, including materials used in mining and infrastructure projects, such as detonators and explosive cartridges.

Soon after the incident, fire brigade teams were dispatched to the spot. Kalmeshwar police immediately launched a rescue operation.

A rural police team led by Inspector General of Police Sandeep Patil, District Collector Vipin Itankar, and Superintendent of Police Harsh A. Poddar arrived at the scene to oversee relief operations.

Inspector General Sandeep Patil said, "The rescue operation is underway. Experts are on the spot." SP Poddar, who was also present at the scene, said that an investigation has begun under senior officers and rescue operations are underway.

Nagpur District Collector Vipin Itankar said, "As per our primary information, the blast took place when 30-35 people were working in the morning shift. We have received confirmation of about 10-12 deaths. Eighteen injured workers have been shifted to hospitals, where they are undergoing treatment. Our immediate priority is to recover bodies and ensure medical care for the injured."

Teams from the State Disaster Response Force and National Disaster Response Force as well as the revenue administration have been roped in for the rescue operations.

"Teams from PESO, DISH and forensic departments are also on site, and the exact cause of the blast will be clear after investigation in the next one to two hours," said the collector.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said in a tweet on X,  "NDRF and SDRF teams are at the site. I pay heartfelt tribute to the deceased. The injured have been promptly shifted to Nagpur. Orders have been issued for a thorough investigation into this incident."