Deadly Explosion Rocks Chemical Factory in Nagpur, Maharashtra; At Least 17 Killed

Nagpur, India: At least 17 people were killed and 18 others injured in an explosion at a chemical factory in Nagpur, in the western Indian state of Maharashtra on Sunday, state officials confirmed. Rescue operations are currently underway at a rapid pace.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the accident as 'deeply distressing' and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also called the incident 'extremely unfortunate and tragic' on X.

The explosion occurred in Nagpur, approximately 800 kilometers from Mumbai, where rescue efforts have been prioritized. An order has been issued for a full investigation into the incident.

This event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of industrial safety measures in India. Last year, 21 people died in an explosion at a fireworks factory in western India. Prior to that, 21 lives were lost in an explosion at a firecracker factory in the southeastern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh on Saturday. Industrial accidents in India are frequently attributed to the disregard for safety requirements and lax enforcement.