Bhandara, Maharashtra – A devastating explosion rocked an ordnance factory in Bhandara district on Thursday morning, leaving at least eight people dead and seven others injured. The incident, which occurred in the factory’s LTP section at around 10:00 AM, sent shockwaves through the region, with the sound of the blast reportedly heard as far as 5 kilometers away.
The explosion caused the roof of the unit to collapse, trapping 14 workers who were present at the time. Rescue teams have so far managed to pull two people from the debris, and operations are ongoing. Heavy machinery, including JCBs, has been deployed to clear the rubble as emergency services race against time to locate and save the remaining workers.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his deep concern over the tragedy, stating that the priority is to rescue those still trapped and provide medical assistance to the injured. “Our thoughts are with the families of the victims,” he said, adding that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the explosion.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) was promptly dispatched to the site, along with multiple ambulances, fire tenders, and police teams. Officials from various administrative departments, including the fire brigade and land revenue office, are coordinating the rescue and relief efforts.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as harrowing, with plumes of smoke billowing into the sky and debris scattered over a large area. “The explosion was so powerful that it felt like an earthquake,” said a local resident.
While the exact cause of the blast remains unknown, police sources have confirmed that the intensity of the explosion was such that it blew off the roof of the factory. Authorities have launched an investigation to uncover the circumstances leading to the incident.
As the rescue operations continue, the tragic event has raised serious questions about safety measures in sensitive industrial units. Families of the victims and workers anxiously await updates, hoping for answers and accountability.
This catastrophic explosion serves as a grim reminder of the need for stringent safety protocols in high-risk industries. The nation mourns the loss of lives while hoping for swift recovery for the injured and justice for the victims.
