Maharashtra Ordnance Factory Blast: Death Toll Rises To 8; Rajnath Singh, Gadkari Express Condolence

The death toll in Maharashtra Ordnance Factory blast has increased to eight, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari confirmed on Friday.

After paying respects to those who killed in the incident and observing a one-minute silence in the course of an event, he said, "A big blast has occurred in the Ordnance Factory in Bhandara. In the incident, eight people have died and seven are injured, as per preliminary information,"

Rajnath Singh Condoles

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has expressed his deep condolence over the loss of the lives in the incident. "Deeply saddened to know about the blast at the Ordnance Factory at Bhandara, Maharashtra. My condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured," the minister said in a post on X.

The district administration is involved in the rescue operations in coordination with the defence forces. Teams have also been kept ready for medical assistance.

A blast took place at the ordnance factory in Jawahar Nagar Bhandara this morning. As per Collector Bhandara, Sanjay Kolte, the roof collapsed during the blast. The cause of which is yet to be ascertained. Upon receiving information about the blast in the factory, firefighters and ambulances rushed to the spot.

Following the incident, Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole said, "This is the failure of the Modi government."

The district administration, in coordination with the defense forces, is leading rescue operations following the tragic blast at the ordnance factory in Jawahar Nagar, Bhandara, earlier this morning. Medical assistance teams have been placed on standby to address any emergencies.

Cause Of The Blast

According to Bhandara District Collector Sanjay Kolte, the explosion caused the roof of the factory to collapse, leaving several workers trapped beneath the debris. The exact cause of the blast is yet to be determined. Upon receiving reports of the incident, firefighters and ambulances rushed to the scene to provide immediate assistance.

Reacting to the incident, Maharashtra Congress Chief Nana Patole criticized the central government, stating, "This is the failure of the Modi government."

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis provided updates, saying, "Initial reports suggest that 13 to 14 workers were trapped after the roof collapsed. So far, five workers have been safely rescued. The District Collector and Superintendent of Police are on-site, and all necessary assistance is being provided."

Fadnavis also added that rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Nagpur Municipal Corporation have been called to assist with the operations and are expected to arrive shortly.

"Tragically, preliminary reports confirm the death of one worker. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured," said Fadnavis.