Ordnance Factory Explosion: Rajnath Singh Mourns Workers' Deaths

Mumbai, Jan 24 (NationPress) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his condolences on Friday for the workers who lost their lives in a tragic explosion at the Ordnance Factory in Bhandara, Maharashtra. The blast resulted in the death of at least eight individuals and left seven others injured.

During a media event in Nagpur, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari confirmed that eight people had perished in the incident.

Feeling heartbroken and wishing for the quick recovery of the injured, Rajnath Singh posted on X, "Deeply saddened to learn about the explosion at the Ordnance Factory in Bhandara, Maharashtra. My heartfelt condolences go out to the grieving families. I am praying for the swift recovery of the injured."

Rescue teams were promptly dispatched to the site, working tirelessly to assist those impacted.

The explosion took place in the LTP section of the factory around 10:30 a.m., as reported by District Collector Sanjay Kolte. The force of the blast caused the roof to collapse, trapping over a dozen workers inside. Initial rescue efforts led to three individuals being saved alive, while one was found deceased. An excavator was employed to clear away the rubble, according to a senior official.

The explosion was so powerful that its sound was heard from a distance of 5 km. Thick smoke billowed from the factory, as seen in a video captured from afar.

In a previous post on X, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis indicated that teams from the SDRF and Nagpur Municipal Corporation were on-site for the rescue operation. The district administration was also coordinating with various teams.

Returning from the World Economic Forum summit in Davos, the Chief Minister stated in another post on X, "Medical assistance teams are prepared as well. As per the latest information, one worker has tragically lost his life. My condolences to his family. We stand in solidarity with them during this difficult time. Reports indicate that 13-14 workers are trapped due to the roof collapse caused by the explosion at the ordnance factory in Bhandara district. Five workers have been successfully rescued. The Bhandara Collector and SP are at the scene, ensuring immediate rescue measures and all necessary support. I pray for the swift recovery of the injured."

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde described the explosion at the Bhandara ordnance factory as a tragic event. "Thirteen to fourteen workers are trapped due to the roof collapse, and efforts are underway for their safe evacuation. Five individuals have been successfully rescued, and rescue operations are being conducted urgently by the NDRF and SDRF teams. We are awaiting updates from the district administration regarding the situation. I extend my condolences to the family of the worker who lost his life in this incident," he stated.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari confirmed the fatalities in the event, stating, "Preliminary reports indicate that eight individuals have died, and seven others were injured in the explosion." He made this announcement during a press conference organized by the Association for Industrial Development in Nagpur. The Minister paused the media event to pay his respects and observe a moment of silence.

"An accident occurred today morning involving an explosion at the Ordnance Factory in Bhandara. Rescue and medical teams are deployed to aid survivors, and rescue operations are ongoing," authorities declared in a statement.

Eyewitnesses reported that the explosion was severe and its sound was audible over several kilometers. They cautioned that the number of casualties might rise as rescue teams continue their vital work.

Further updates are awaited.