17 Killed, 18 Critical in Nagpur Factory Blast, Maharashtra CM Announces Rs 5 Lakh Ex-Gratia for Kin

Nagpur: In a shocking incident, at least 17 people were killed and 18 others critically injured after a major explosion at SBL Energy Limited in Maharashtra's Nagpur district on Sunday, according to police.

The blast took place on the company's premises, where at least 30-35 workers were present, and as of now, the exact cause of the explosion is still being ascertained as senior officials remain at the spot and rescue operations continue.

Superintendent of Police (Nagpur Rural) Harssh Poddar confirmed the casualties and stated that the injured have been rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Senior police officials, NDRF, SDRF and other authorities are present at the site. 

CM announces ₹5 lakh ex-gratia for victims' families

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced financial assistance of ₹5 lakh from the state government to the families of each of those who lost their lives in the explosion at the explosives factory in Raulgaon, Nagpur district. According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), apart from this government compensation, the concerned company will also provide additional financial assistance to the bereaved families.

Chief Minister Fadnavis also expressed grief over the "extremely unfortunate and tragic" incident, stating that he is in constant touch with the local administration. 

In a post on X, he wrote, "The incident of the explosion at an explosives factory in Raulgaon in Nagpur district is extremely unfortunate and tragic. I am in constant contact with the local administration. The District Collector and Superintendent of Police have reached the incident site immediately."

He further confirmed that multiple agencies are on site conducting rescue operations. "NDRF and SDRF teams are also at the site. Teams from PESO and DISH have arrived. Rescue operations have been accelerated, and so far, 17 people have lost their lives. I pay heartfelt tribute to the deceased. We share in the grief of their families," the CM added. He also confirmed that 18 people have been injured and have been promptly shifted to Nagpur for treatment.

The devastating blast occurred on Sunday at the premises of SBL Energy Limited under the Nagpur Rural police jurisdiction.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed grief over the "extremely unfortunate and tragic" explosion at the explosives factory in Raulgaon, Nagpur district, stating that he is in constant touch with the local administration. 

In a post on X, 'The incident of the explosion at an explosives factory in Raulgaon in Nagpur district is extremely unfortunate and tragic. I am in constant contact with the local administration. The District Collector and Superintendent of Police have reached the incident site immediately, he wrote. 

He also confirmed that the District Collector and Superintendent of Police have reached the spot, while NDRF, SDRF, PESO, and DISH teams are also on site conducting rescue operations. 

'NDRF and SDRF teams are also at the site. Teams from PESO and DISH have arrived. Rescue operations have been accelerated, and so far, 17 people have lost their lives. I pay heartfelt tribute to the deceased. We share in the grief of their families,' he added. 

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced financial assistance of ₹5 lakh from the state government to the families of each of those who lost their lives in the explosion at the explosives factory in Raulgaon, Nagpur district. According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), apart from this government compensation, the concerned company will also provide additional financial assistance to the bereaved families.

Andhra Deadly Firecracker Explosion Kills 20 

This comes a day after a tragic explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Vetlapalem, Kakinada district, claimed the lives of at least 20 people. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, also left several others injured, many of whom are reported to be in critical condition.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has responded swiftly to the tragedy, announcing an ex gratia of ₹20 lakh for the families of the deceased. He also visited the injured victims at the Government General Hospital (GGH) to assess their condition and assure them of the government's full support.

Expressing serious concern over the incident, the Chief Minister attributed the tragedy to the negligence of local officials. In a subsequent press conference, he announced the suspension of four officials and promised a thorough investigation.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Chandrababu Naidu said:

"The firecracker incident is very unfortunate and deeply tragic. So far, 20 people have died, while 9 remain in critical condition; two are out of danger. Among the victims are 12 SCs and 9 women. They had gone for daily wage work to earn their livelihood. The government is taking the incident very seriously. A similar incident occurred recently; this is the second such tragedy. Steps will be taken to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.

A detailed inquiry will be conducted, and responsibility will be fixed. The RDO, DSP, District Labour Officer, and Fire Officer are being suspended. Further action will be taken against other concerned officials after the inquiry. Some people have become reckless and are playing with public lives; they will not only be arrested but also prosecuted. Their properties will also be seized and handed over to the victims; such negligence will not be tolerated. The state government will provide ₹20 lakh financial assistance to each bereaved family. The Centre has announced ₹2 lakh compensation."