At least 17 people lost their lives, while 18 others sustained critical injuries, after a powerful explosion ripped through an ammunition manufacturing factory in Raulgaon village of Kalmeshwar tehsil, around 25 km from Nagpur, on Sunday morning.
🔥 Explosion During Morning Shift
According to preliminary information, the blast occurred at around 6:45 am inside the nonel crimping plant section of the factory. The morning shift had started at 6 am, and nearly 35 workers, including several women, were present under the supervision of two officials when the incident took place.
The explosion triggered massive flames and thick smoke, creating panic across the industrial area.
🚑 Rescue Operations & Medical Response
Fire brigade teams rushed to the spot immediately, while Kalmeshwar police launched rescue and evacuation operations. Injured workers were shifted in ambulances to various hospitals in Nagpur city for urgent medical care.
Senior officials, including Sandip Patil, Inspector General of Police, Vipin Itankar, and Harssh A Poddar, Superintendent of Police (Rural), reached the blast site to monitor relief efforts.
“Some casualties have been reported, but exact figures are still being verified. Rescue operations are ongoing and technical experts are assessing the situation,” IG Patil said.
🔍 Probe Ordered Into Cause of Blast
SP Poddar confirmed that a technical and scientific investigation has been initiated under senior officials to determine the cause of the explosion.
“All necessary safety and investigative protocols are being followed. Senior officers are supervising the probe on the ground,” he stated.
Authorities said the factory is a major manufacturer of industrial explosives, supplying detonators and explosive cartridges used in mining and infrastructure projects.
⚠️ Safety Concerns Resurface
The incident has once again raised serious safety concerns, as it follows a major fire incident last year at a nearby industrial unit in the same belt. Search and recovery operations continue amid debris and smoke.
The deceased bodies are expected to be shifted to the Government Medical College and Hospital for postmortem examinations.
