At least five workers were killed, and another eight were injured when a massive blast ripped through an explosives manufacturing company in Waddhamna town, Maharashtra, on Thursday, officials said.
The blast occurred around 12 noon at the Chamundi Explosives Co. Ltd., located on the Amravati-Nagpur Road.
Nagpur Commissioner of Police Ravinder Singhal informed the media that at least five people, including four women, lost their lives in the tragedy. According to the police, the explosion happened while workers were packing explosives.
Eyewitnesses said that the explosion was heard within a radius of several km, followed by a fire and dark smoke billowing in the sky.
The five victims who have been ascertained to have died instantly in the explosion have been identified as Pannalal Bandewar, 50, and four women: Vaishali Kshirsagar, 20, Prachi Phalke, 20, Pranjali Morde, 22, and Monali Aloney, 27.
This is the second major industrial tragedy in Nagpur in the past six months. In December 2023, nine people were killed in an explosion at the Solar Explosive Ltd factory.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his sadness over the incident and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. He stated that he is in contact with the district administration and police commissioner, and that all necessary assistance is being provided by the district administration.
“It is very sad news that six people died in an explosion at the Chamunda Explosive Company in the Hingana MIDC area of Nagpur. Three people are critical in this incident, and they have been admitted to Dande Hospital for treatment.”
“I offer my heartfelt condolences to the deceased and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. The families of the deceased will be given financial assistance from the Chief Minister’s Assistance Fund,” added Fadnavis.
Meanwhile, the cause of the incident is yet to be determined. The manager and owner of the factory are reported to be absconding.
