Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : Explosion at Nagpur Factory Kills Nine Workers and Injures Three
Sunday morning witnessed a devastating blast at an explosives manufacturing factory in Chakdoh, Nagpur district, Maharashtra, claiming the lives of nine workers and leaving three others seriously injured, according to the police. The tragedy occurred in building number HR-CPCH-2 (Mixing, Melting, and Casting) at Solar Industries India Limited, as stated by Ashish Srivastava, the senior general manager.
The incident left the locals and relatives of the workers grief-stricken, leading them to block the Amravati-Nagpur highway near the factory site. The agitated crowd, numbering around 200 individuals, demanded entry into the premises to bid farewell to their loved ones. Despite police efforts to pacify them, they stood resolute outside the gate.
A senior police official informed PTI that the explosives in the vicinity were being secured, after which the bodies would be recovered. In response to the tragedy, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister visited the blast site to console the grieving families. Through a social media platform, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde promised compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the kin of the deceased, with an additional Rs 20 lakh from the company.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who also visited the spot, ordered an inquiry into the incident. However, Senior Congressman and Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Vijay Wadettiwar expressed dissatisfaction with the compensation amount and demanded Rs 50 lakh for the victims’ families, along with job opportunities. Wadettiwar, along with party colleague Sunil Kedar, visited the factory site, expressing concerns about the safety norms and seeking details of the deceased workers’ training and skill sets.
Meanwhile, company spokesperson Ashish Srivastava assured full support and relief to the families of the deceased, promising to implement the recommendations of the inquiry committee. Speaking to reporters, Srivastava revealed that the blast occurred during the sealing process of boosters used in coal mines.
The identities of the deceased were later released, identifying them as Yuvraj Charode, Omeshwar Macchirke, Mita Uikey, Aarti Sahare, Swetali Marbate, Pushpa Manapure, Bhagyashree Lonare, Rumita Uikey, and Mausam Patle. Superintendent of Police Harsh Poddar emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion, while authorities assessed the extent of damage and ensured the safety of the surrounding areas.
NCP MLA and former state home minister Anil Deshmukh, who visited the site, explained that the bodies would not be recovered until the entire area was secured and safe. As the investigation continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of strict safety protocols in such industries.