New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed deep distress over the explosion at a factory in Nagpur, Maharashtra, that claimed 17 lives. He extended condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. He also said the local administration is assisting those affected.
In a post on X, the PM announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased. The injured will receive Rs 50,000, according to an official statement.
The blast took place in the early hours at SBL Energy Limited, located in Raulgaon near Katol in Nagpur district. The facility produces detonators and other materials used in mining operations. Initial inputs suggest the explosion happened between 6 am and 7 am.
Nagpur Rural Superintendent of Police Harssh Poddar stated that 17 people lost their lives, while 18 others sustained injuries in the incident.
Those injured were rushed to local medical centres, including Orange City Hospital in Nagpur, for treatment, according to media reports.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the explosion. Rescue teams remain at the site, and a formal probe has been initiated to ascertain what led to the blast.
