In Maharashtra, seventeen people have been killed and 18 others injured in a major explosion at SBL Energy Limited in Raulgaon, in Nagpur. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed the casualties in a social media post.
Police said the blast occurred at a factory manufacturing explosives for mining and industrial use. The explosion triggered a massive fire, which was brought under control after four to five hours. Rescue operations were later intensified.
The Chief Minister has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident. Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said a high-level review meeting will be held on March 2 at the Divisional Commissioner’s office to discuss measures to prevent such tragedies. More details from the probe are awaited.
President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have expressed grief over the loss of lives in the factory explosion. In a social media post, President Murmu expressed her condolences to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones and also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed that the local administration is assisting those affected. Mr Modi also announced an ex-gratia of two lakh rupees from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased. He added that the injured will be given 50 thousand rupees.
