01 March,2026 01:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Pic/X
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday termed the Nagpur explosives factory blast as "extremely tragic and unfortunate" and ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident.
At least 17 people were killed and 18 others injured in the explosion at the detonator packing unit of SBL Energy Limited in Raulgaon, located in Katol tehsil of Nagpur district.
In an official statement, Fadnavis said that orders have been issued for a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the blast.
The Chief Minister said he is in constant touch with the local administration, with senior officials - including the district collector and superintendent of police - reaching the site immediately after the incident.
He assured that the government is closely monitoring the situation and ensuring that all necessary measures are being taken.
Multiple agencies have been deployed for rescue and relief operations. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are conducting operations at the site.
Officials from key safety bodies, including the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) and the Defence Information System for Security (DISS), are also present to assist in the investigation and ensure compliance with safety protocols.
Rescue efforts are being carried out on a war footing to manage the aftermath of the explosion.
Fadnavis expressed deep condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the blast. He also assured that the injured have been shifted to hospitals in Nagpur and are receiving the best possible medical treatment.
Praying for their speedy recovery, the Chief Minister reiterated the government's commitment to supporting the victims and ensuring accountability through a detailed probe into the incident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives in a blast at an explosives factory in Maharashtra's Nagpur and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
