The incident occurred in the Bhandara district, with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari confirming the fatalities during a public event.
The explosion took place in the LTP section of the factory at approximately 10:30 AM. The impact caused the roof to collapse, trapping several workers beneath the debris. Rescue operations were launched immediately, with firefighters and medical teams rushing to the scene. Initial efforts led to the rescue of three workers, while one was found dead. An excavator was deployed to clear the rubble.
The blast's intensity was so severe that it was heard from as far as 5 kilometers away, with thick smoke rising from the factory. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured that top officials and rescue teams from Nagpur were on their way to assist with the situation.The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team was deployed to the location and rescue efforts are underway. Seven individuals have been rescued so far. Six workers remain trapped beneath the collapsed structure.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said that the mishap has resulted in the death of eight people. Seven others have been injured as per preliminary information, he added.
Rescue operations are currently underway, with firefighters and ambulances dispatched to the scene. According to district collector Sanjay Kolte, a roof collapsed and the debris is being cleared with the help of a JCB. He said that 12 people were reported to be at the site and two have been rescued so far.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said in a post on X, "There are reports that 13 to 14 workers were trapped after the roof collapsed in an ordnance factory explosion in Bhandara district. Five of them have been safely evacuated. The District Collector and Superintendent of Police are at the scene and all kinds of assistance are being provided."
The blast was powerful enough to be heard from 5 kilometres away from the location of the factory. A thick smoke was observed billowing from the factory in a video taken from a distance.
