MP: Blast in ordinance factory, 1 killed

Jabalpur, Aug 13: An employee was killed on the spot and three others injured, one of them seriously, in an explosion in bomb filling section at the ordinance factory here yesterday, factory General Manager R A Agrawal said.

''The explosion took place while maintenance work was in progress at the bomb filling section and an oven was being welded'', Mr Agrawal said.

During explosion, lower portion of Chhotelal Patel's body was strewn to pieces while another employee Rajendra Tiwari, who suffered injuries on his head and chest, had been admitted to a private hospital. Two others also suffered injuries.

The explosion took place immediately after welder Virendra Puri Goswami left the spot due to burning sensation in his eyes as the oven became too hot.

Denying any foulplay, Mr Agrawal said Army's explosives experts would probe into the incident. The next of kin of Chhotelal Patel was given immediate ex-gratia of Rs 33,000 while a family member would be given compassionate appointment, he said.

Defence employees union leader R S Tiwari has demanded ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh to Mr Patel's family and proper treatment of the injured.

UNI