Maharashtra explosion: 8 killed in blast at ordnance factory in Bhandara; search-rescue ops underway

Blast at ordnance factory in Bhandara; rescue efforts underway (Pic: X)

Eight persons were killed after a blast at the ordnance factory in Maharashtra's Bhandara district on Friday, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said.

“As per preliminary information, seven persons have been injured in the blast,” Gadkari told reporters, PTI reported.

Earlier, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said that according to preliminary information, 13 to 14 workers were stuck after the roof of a unit collapsed in the blast at the ordnance factory.

Fadnavis, in a post on X, said five people were rescued, and the district collector and superintendent of police were at the spot, while a team from the state disaster response force (SDRF) from Nagpur is on the way.

Rescue and medical teams have been deployed for survivors at the scene, a defence spokesperson said.

District collector Sanjay Kolte said the explosion occurred around 10.30 am on the premises.

After the accident blast in Ordnance Factory Jawahar Nagar Bhandara, firefighters and ambulances have been dispatched to the spot, rescue operation is currently underway. "A roof has collapsed which is being removed with the help of JCB. A total of 12 people are reported to be there, out of which 2 people have been rescued," Collector Bhandara Sanjay Kolte told ANI.