Mumbai:
A devastating explosion rocked an ordnance factory in Maharashtra’s Bhandara district on Thursday morning, leaving eight workers dead and seven others injured. The blast, which occurred around 10:30 am in the factory’s LTP section, was so powerful that it was heard up to 5 kilometers away, sending shockwaves through the area.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari confirmed the casualties at an event later in the day. “In Bhandara, at the ordnance factory, a major mishap has taken place, resulting in the death of eight people and injuries to seven others. This is preliminary information,” he said, calling for a minute’s silence to honor the victims of the tragic incident.
Rescue Operations Underway
The explosion caused a section of the factory’s roof to collapse, trapping several workers under the debris. Rescue efforts began immediately, with firefighters, medical staff, and excavators rushing to the site. District Collector Sanjay Kolte reported that three workers were rescued alive, while one was found dead during initial operations.
As the situation unfolded, teams worked tirelessly to remove the debris and search for survivors. Thick smoke rising from the factory was visible from a distance, as captured in videos shared by witnesses.
Chief Minister’s Response
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep concern over the incident and assured that all necessary measures were being taken. “Top officials are present at the blast site, and rescue teams from Nagpur are reaching to assist. Medical teams are also ready to provide support,” he stated.
Community in Mourning
The tragedy has left the local community in shock, with many mourning the loss of life and expressing solidarity with the families of the victims. The cause of the explosion is under investigation, with authorities working to determine whether it was a technical malfunction or another factor.
This incident marks a grim reminder of the risks faced by workers in ordnance factories and the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols to prevent such catastrophic events in the future.
