Nagpur, 28 February (H.S.): At least 15 people were killed and several others injured after a powerful explosion ripped through an explosives manufacturing unit in Maharashtra’s Nagpur district on Sunday morning.
The blast occurred at SBL Energy Limited, located in the rural Ravalgaon area of Katol taluka, where detonators and explosive materials are manufactured. The impact of the explosion was reported to be severe, triggering panic in the surrounding locality.
According to preliminary information, the explosion took place at the detonator packing unit between 7.00 am and 7.15 am. Injured workers were rushed to hospitals in Nagpur, including Orange City Hospital, while some of the critically wounded were shifted to a nearby government hospital for emergency treatment. Medical teams are monitoring their condition.
District and police officials reached the spot soon after the incident, and fire brigade teams were deployed to manage the situation. The area has been cordoned off as rescue operations continue. Teams of the National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force have also been deployed to assist in search and recovery efforts.
Officials said the exact cause of the explosion is yet to be determined. A detailed investigation has been ordered to ascertain the circumstances leading to the blast and whether safety protocols were followed at the facility.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis termed the incident extremely tragic and said he was in constant contact with the local administration. He confirmed that 15 people had lost their lives and several others were injured. He stated that teams from relevant regulatory authorities had reached the site and that a thorough investigation had been ordered.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also expressed grief over the loss of lives and conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased.
SBL Energy Limited, earlier known as Special Blasts Limited, is a manufacturer of industrial explosives based near Nagpur and supplies detonators and related materials primarily for mining and infrastructure sectors.
Further updates are awaited as rescue and assessment efforts continue.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
