8 killed, 7 injured in explosion at ordnance factory in India

The blast at the ordinance factory in Maharashtra's Bhandara occurred on Friday morning. (Photo: Loksatta)

Maharashtra (India), January 24 — At least eight people were killed and seven others injured after a blast took place at the ordnance factory in the Jawahar Nagar area of Maharashtra's Bhandara district on Friday morning.

Rescue teams including firefighters and ambulances were deployed to the site. The explosion caused the roof of the factory to collapse and earthmovers were pressed into service to clear the debris.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari called the explosion an unfortunate incident, confirming 8 deaths and 7 injuries.

“A sad incident has happened. At the ordnance factory in Bhandara, an explosion took place, causing the death of eight people and injuring seven others. This is the early report. I ask everyone to stand for a minute to honor them and then we will continue with the program,” said Gadkari at an event in Nagpur.

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 ot 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 wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Meawnhile, reacting to the blast at the ordnance factory in Bhandara, Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole said, “This is the failure of the Modi government.”

—Hindustan Times