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Blast at ordnance factory in Bhandara; rescue efforts underway

Bhandara: At least eight people died and seven injured in a massive blast at an ordnance factory in Bhandara district of Maharashtra on Friday morning. The death toll is likely to rise as some people are still feared trapped under the debris while the rescue efforts were underway late in the night.

The explosion occurred in the LTP section of the ordnance factory in the Jawahar Nagar area in Bhandara around 10.30 am. The blast was of such an intensity that it was heard from five km away spreading panic in surrounding areas. A thick smoke was seen rising from the factory in a video captured from a distance.

The explosion resulted in a fire and caused the roof of the factory to collapse trapping over a dozen workers who were working in the unit at the time of the incident. In the initial efforts, some were rescued alive. An excavator was used to remove the debris.

Rescue teams including firefighters and ambulances were immediately rushed to the site. Fire department personnel, police officials, the land revenue officer and other administrative officials also reached the spot of the blast. Rescue and medical staff were searching for survivors while firefighters were engaged in containing the situation. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) was deployed as an additional assistance.

“At approximately 1030 hrs today, an explosion occurred at the Defence Factory in Jawahar Nagar, Bhandara. The incident resulted in a fire and subsequent building collapse. Initially, 13 individuals were reported trapped at the site. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team was immediately deployed to the location and is working tirelessly to rescue those affected. NDRF personnel are utilizing specialised equipment to carry out the rescue operation. Efforts are being made to ensure the safety of all involved,” said a NDRF statement.

“After the accident blast in Ordnance Factory Jawahar Nagar Bhandara, firefighters and ambulances were dispatched to the spot and a rescue operation was undertaken. A roof has collapsed which is being removed with the help of JCB,” said Bhandara Collector Sanjay Kolte.

The cause of the explosion is not yet known. An investigation is underway.

“There are reports that 13 to 14 workers were trapped after the roof collapsed in an ordinance factory explosion in Bhandara district. Five of them have been safely evacuated. The District Collector and Superintendent of Police are at the spot and all kinds of assistance are being provided. The district administration is involved in rescue operations in coordination with the defence forces,” Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on X.

Union defence minister Rajnath Singh expressed sadness over the blast and offered condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured.

“Deeply saddened to know about the blast at Ordnance Factory at Bhandara, Maharashtra. My condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. The rescue teams are deployed at the site. All efforts are being made to provide assistance to those who are affected,” Rajnath Singh posted on X.


( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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