Mumbai: In a tragic incident, a massive explosion rocked the C section of the Ordnance Manufacturing Factory in Jawahar Nagar, Bhandara district, Maharashtra on Thursday, leaving at least 8 dead and 7 injured. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue teams continue their efforts to locate workers trapped under debris.
The explosion, which occurred around 11 AM, sent shockwaves across the area, with its sound heard as far as 7 kilometers away. Flames and thick plumes of smoke engulfed the facility, alarming nearby residents and drawing large crowds to the site.
Swift Rescue Efforts Underway
Emergency response teams, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and units from Nagpur Municipal Corporation, were immediately dispatched to the site. The District Collector and Superintendent of Police are overseeing the rescue and relief operations.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis shared updates via social media, stating, “Reports indicate that 13 to 14 workers were trapped due to the roof collapse caused by the explosion. Five have been safely rescued. Efforts are ongoing to ensure the safety of all workers.”
He assured that medical assistance teams were on standby, and coordination with defense forces was ensuring a streamlined relief effort.
Expressions of Grief and Support
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari expressed his sorrow over the incident, stating, “It is unfortunate that a worker has died, and many others are trapped due to the explosion and roof collapse. Tributes to the deceased, and I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
The Maharashtra government has pledged to provide all necessary assistance to affected families and ensure the injured receive timely medical care.
A Scene of Devastation
The explosion took place in Building No. 23 of the factory’s C section, where several workers were on duty. Eyewitnesses described the blast as “horrific,” with the sound causing panic among locals.
One resident said, “The blast was so loud that we thought it was an earthquake. Everyone rushed outside, and within minutes, smoke covered the area.”
Authorities confirmed significant structural damage to the building. Police and fire brigade teams faced delays in reaching the site due to the scale of the disaster and logistical challenges.
Investigation and Concerns
The exact cause of the explosion is yet to be determined. Officials are investigating whether a technical fault or negligence led to the tragic event. Concerns about safety protocols at the ordnance factory have been raised, given the high-risk nature of the materials handled at the facility.
The factory, known for manufacturing ammunition and explosives for defense purposes, has stringent safety measures in place. However, Thursday’s incident has brought these protocols under scrutiny.
Looking Ahead
As rescue operations continue, the focus remains on providing support to the victims and their families. This incident has sparked discussions about workplace safety standards in high-risk industries.
The Ordnance Factory in Bhandara has been a key part of India’s defense production ecosystem, and this tragic incident underscores the need for enhanced safety measures to prevent such disasters in the future.
With the government and emergency teams working tirelessly, the hope is that all trapped workers can be brought to safety, and the injured recover swiftly.