Bhandara (Maharashtra) [India]: The death toll from the explosion at an ordnance factory in the Jawahar Nagar area of Bhandara district on Friday has risen to four, with five individuals reported injured. Rescue operations are ongoing, as several workers are still feared trapped under the debris.
According to the District Disaster Management Cell, the blast occurred on Friday morning, causing a fire and the collapse of part of the factory building. The deceased have been identified as Chandrashekhar Goswami (59), Manoj Meshram (55), Ajay Nagdeve (51), and Ankit Barai (20).
The injured individuals are N P Vanjari (55), Sanjay Raut (51), Rajesh Badwaik (33), Sunil Kumar Yadav (24), and Jaideep Banerjee (42).
As per officials, seven individuals were rescued earlier in the day, while six to seven more workers remain trapped beneath the debris. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team, along with local rescue teams, has been deployed to the site.
The District Information Office, Bhandara, shared updates on X at 2:26 pm, stating:
“7 persons rescued so far. 6-7 persons more are trapped under the debris. Rescue operations are in progress. The NDRF team has also started rescue operations. Along with NMC and local teams, SDRF Nagpur is also on the spot.”
The explosion, which occurred around 10:30 am, caused significant damage to the facility, leading to the collapse of the roof and trapping several workers inside. Firefighters and ambulances arrived promptly at the scene to assist with rescue operations.
In a statement, the NDRF confirmed that 13 individuals were initially reported trapped. Specialized equipment is being used to safely extract the remaining workers. “Efforts are being made to ensure the safety of all involved,” the release stated.
Sanjay Kolte, the Collector of Bhandara district, stated that the situation remains critical, and all efforts are being focused on rescuing those trapped and providing medical attention to the injured.
The cause of the explosion is yet to be determined, and investigations are underway.