Explosion at Maharashtra explosives factory kills 17, injures 18

At least 17 people lost their lives and 18 others sustained injuries following a blast at an explosives factory in the western Indian state of Maharashtra on Sunday, according to officials. The incident occurred in Nagpur, located approximately 800 kilometres from the state capital, Mumbai.

State authorities reported that rescue operations were underway and had been accelerated in response to the explosion. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the event as “extremely unfortunate and tragic” in a post on social media, confirming the number of casualties and injuries. He also stated that an investigation has been ordered to determine the cause of the blast.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, calling the accident “deeply distressing” and wishing a speedy recovery to those injured.

Reports indicate that industrial accidents of this nature are not uncommon in India, with previous incidents resulting in significant loss of life. On Saturday, a separate explosion at a firecracker factory in the southeastern state of Andhra Pradesh claimed the lives of 21 people. Last year, another firework factory explosion in western India also resulted in 21 fatalities.

Officials have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances leading up to the Maharashtra factory explosion. The identities of the victims have not been disclosed, and the investigation into the incident is ongoing.