Bhandara: A devastating explosion hit the ordnance factory in the Jawahar Nagar area of Maharashtra’s Bhandara district on Tuesday, killing one person and leaving many trapped. Authorities say the blast caused huge structural damage, including the roof of the factory collapsing, complicating rescue efforts.
They were called to the site quickly, with emergency response teams including firefighters and ambulances. They are actively clearing debris to find those trapped beneath the rubble with earthmovers. Following the explosion, 12 people were reportedly trapped, Bhandara district collector Sanjay Kolte said. Two more people have been rescued so far. PRO Defence Nagpur stated that efforts are underway to save the remaining workers, and additional updates will be made shortly.
Investigations are expected to begin after rescue operations are finished, and the cause of the blast is yet to be determined. It has also raised concerns about safety protocols at the ordnance factory, which is a major defense manufacturing facility in the area.
Reacting to the incident, Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole blamed the central government and said it was responsible for what he called a failure to ensure the safety of workers. Lapses in safety measures at sensitive defence installations are, he said, ‘the failure of the Modi government’.
The explosion reignited questions over the preparedness of emergency plans and has renewed concerns about safety conditions at government-operated facilities. The trapped workers’ families are anxiously awaiting developments, and local authorities and defense personnel are aiding those still alive. The details of what caused the blast and the condition of the trapped workers are to be released as the rescue operation continues.
Join our whatsapp group for Latest updates