01 March,2026 01:49 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pic/PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the devastating blast at an explosives factory in Maharashtra's Nagpur district.
Calling the incident "deeply distressing," the Prime Minister conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.
"The local administration is assisting those affected," Modi said in a post on X, acknowledging ongoing relief efforts at the site.
The Prime Minister announced financial assistance from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the victims of the tragedy.
An ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh will be provided to the next of kin of each deceased, while those injured in the blast will receive Rs 50,000.
The relief package aims to support affected families in the aftermath of the incident.
At least 17 people lost their lives and 18 others were injured in the explosion at SBL Energy Limited's facility in Raulgaon, Nagpur, on Sunday morning.
The blast occurred at the detonator packing unit of the factory, which manufactures mining and industrial explosives. Rescue and relief operations were immediately launched, with multiple agencies deployed at the site.
Authorities are continuing rescue operations and providing medical assistance to the injured, who have been shifted to hospitals in Nagpur.
The incident has raised concerns over industrial safety, with investigations underway to determine the cause of the explosion and assess compliance with safety protocols.
The Prime Minister's announcement comes as part of ongoing efforts by the government to support victims and ensure accountability in the wake of the tragedy.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis termed the blast at an explosives factory in Nagpur district as "extremely tragic and unfortunate", and said a detailed probe has been ordered into the incident.
Orders have been issued for a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion, Fadnavis said in a statement.
The CM said he is in constant touch with the local administration, and that the district collector and superintendent of police rushed to the spot immediately after the blast.
