17 killed, 18 injured in massive blast at explosives factory in Maharashtra’s Nagpur

At least 17 people were killed and 18 others critically injured in a massive explosion at SBL Energy Limited in Maharashtra’s Nagpur district on Sunday. The blast occurred at the company’s premises in Raulgaon under the Nagpur Rural police jurisdiction, where around 30 to 35 workers were reportedly present at the time.

Superintendent of Police (Nagpur Rural) Harssh Poddar confirmed the casualties, stating that the injured were immediately rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. The exact cause of the explosion is yet to be determined, with senior police officials and multiple agencies continuing investigations at the site.

Rescue operations are underway, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), and the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH) present at the scene.

Rs 5 lakh Ex-Gratia announced

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced an ex-gratia of ₹5 lakh from the state government to the families of each deceased victim. The Chief Minister’s Office said the company would also provide additional financial assistance to the bereaved families.

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Expressing grief over the “extremely unfortunate and tragic” incident, Fadnavis said he is in constant touch with the local administration and assured that rescue and relief efforts have been intensified.