At least 17 people were killed and 18 others injured on Sunday morning in a powerful explosion at an explosives manufacturing factory near Nagpur in Maharashtra, officials confirmed. The blast occurred between 7 a.m. and 7:15 a.m. at the SBL Energy Limited plant in Raulgaon village, Katol tehsil, which produces industrial detonators and other explosive materials used in mining and infrastructure projects.
Local police and emergency teams reached the scene soon after the explosion, with National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel joining rescue and relief operations amid thick smoke and debris. The injured were rushed to hospitals in Nagpur, where several are reported in serious condition.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the blast as “extremely tragic and unfortunate,” expressing condolences to the families of the victims and announcing financial assistance of ₹5 lakh for the next of kin of those killed. He has also ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion and is in constant touch with local officials overseeing the response.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the loss of lives, announcing an ex‑gratia payment of ₹2 lakh for the deceased and ₹50,000 for each injured person from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
Officials have noted that about 35 workers were present in the unit at the time of the blast, and the site continues to be combed for any survivors or additional casualties. Identification of some victims is proving difficult due to the severity of the blast, prompting officials to initiate DNA testing to confirm identities.
Authorities are probing whether safety lapses or procedural errors contributed to the tragedy, which has once again raised concerns about industrial safety standards at high‑risk manufacturing facilities.
