02 March,2026 11:57 AM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondent
Debris and damaged structures seen after a blast at an explosives manufacturing factory in Nagpur. Pic/PTI
Police have arrested nine directors of an explosives manufacturing company following a devastating blast at its factory in Maharashtra's Nagpur district that killed 18 people, officials confirmed on Monday, reported the PTI.
The Kalmeshwar police have registered a case against 21 directors and shareholders of SBL Energy Limited under Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The explosion occurred on Sunday morning at the detonator packing unit of the company in Raulgaon, located in Katol tehsil of Nagpur district.
At least 18 workers were charred to death, while 24 others sustained injuries, many of them said to be in a critical condition. Police stated that the bodies were burnt beyond recognition, and DNA samples are being collected from family members to establish the identities of the deceased, according to the PTI.
Superintendent of Police (Nagpur Rural) Dr Harssh Poddar said a preliminary report by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) and the Defence Information System for Security (DISS) pointed to safety shortcomings at the facility.
Acting on the findings, police registered a case against the company's officials. The arrested directors are currently being questioned, and efforts are under way to trace and apprehend the remaining accused.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the explosion.
The officials have said that further action would follow based on the outcome of the detailed inquiry.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had 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.
(with PTI inputs)
