A powerful explosion ripped through an explosives manufacturing unit in Maharashtra’s Nagpur on Sunday, killing at least 17 people and leaving several others critically injured, according to preliminary reports. The blast occurred at SBL Company, located in the rural Ravalgaon area of Katol taluka, where detonators and explosive materials are manufactured. The impact of the explosion was described as severe, triggering panic in the surrounding locality.
Those injured have been admitted to Orange City Hospital in Nagpur, while some of the seriously wounded were shifted to a nearby government hospital for emergency treatment. Medical teams are monitoring their condition. District and police officials rushed to the spot soon after the incident, and fire brigade teams were deployed to control the situation. Authorities have cordoned off the area as rescue operations continue.
Company representatives told PTI that the explosion took place at the detonator packing unit between 7 am and 7.15 am. Several injured workers were immediately rushed to a hospital in Nagpur for treatment, while rescue operations continued at the site. A company official said a detailed statement would be issued soon as authorities assess the damage and investigate the cause of the incident.
Officials said the exact cause of the explosion is yet to be determined. A detailed investigation has been launched to ascertain how the blast occurred and whether safety protocols were followed at the facility. Teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have also been deployed at the site to assist local authorities in rescue and recovery operations.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis responds
Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, took to X to share: "The incident of the explosion at an explosives factory in Raulgaon in Nagpur district is extremely unfortunate and tragic. I am in constant contact with the local administration. The District Collector and Superintendent of Police have reached the incident site immediately. NDRF and SDRF teams are also at the site. Teams from PESO and DISH have arrived. Rescue operations have been accelerated, and so far, 17 people have lost their lives. I pay heartfelt tribute to the deceased. We share in the grief of their families. In this incident, 18 people have been injured. The injured have been promptly shifted to Nagpur. I pray at the feet of God for their swift recovery.Orders have been issued for a thorough investigation into this incident."
'Tragic and unfortunate incident': Union Minister Nitin Gadkari
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari also took to X and wrote: The tragic and unfortunate incident of the death of 17 workers in a horrific explosion at SBL Energy, a explosives manufacturing company located in Rautlgav village in Katol in Nagpur district, is extremely heartbreaking. My heartfelt tribute to the deceased workers. My condolences are with their families. May the injured recover health soon—this is my prayer at the feet of God.
SBL Energy Limited, which was previously referred to as Special Blasts Limited, is a prominent manufacturer of industrial explosives located in Kalmeshwar near Nagpur. The company manufactures explosives, detonators, and associated materials that are mainly utilised in mining activities and infrastructure development. It functions under a unified management system and is regarded as an important entity in the industrial explosives industry.
Further updates are awaited as rescue and assessment efforts continue.
