17 workers killed in explosion at ‘S.B.L.’ factory in Nagpur

• Many injured  !

• The debris of the factory blown away up to a distance of half a kilometre !

Nagpur, Maharashtra –  A  major explosion took place at 7 am on March 1 at ‘ S.B.L. Energy Limited ’ – an ammunition manufacturing establishment located at Raulgaon at katol Taluka of Nagpur district. At least 17 workers are killed and several others seriously injured. 4 of the injured are in critical condition. Due to this, the death toll is likely to increase. The sound of the explosion was heard far away. The explosion blew the debris of the factory up to half a kilometre.

The plant  manufactures detonators, slurry explosives, cast boosters, seismic explosives. There was an explosion in one of the units in the morning. More than 30 employees were working there at the time of the incident. The fire brigade immediately rushed to the spot and tried to bring the fire under control. The police, local administration and rescue teams of the establishment started the work of removing the debris on a war footing. The main building of the factory was completely demolished.

Local residents and relatives of the workers are alleging that the accident occurred due to the negligence of the administration of the establishment. The administration has ordered an inquiry into the incident and there is a demand of strict action against the culprits.

The state government has announced financial assistance of ₹5 lakh !

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced that the state government will provide financial assistance of ₹5 lakh to the kin of deceased of the accident. The concerned establishment will also provide financial assistance to the families of the deceased.