8 killed in massive blast at ordinance factory in India’s Maharashtra
Mumbai: At least eight workers were killed in a massive explosion at an ordinance factory in Indian state of Maharashtra, with several other workers still trapped inside the building.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the explosion happened in Bhandara, around 800 kilometres east of Mumbai and caused the factory’s roof to collapse. The blast was of such an intensity that it was heard from 5 km away. A thick smoke was seen rising from the factory in a video captured from a distance.
“In an unfortunate incident today, a blast at Bhandara munitions factory has killed at least eight people and injured seven others,” India’s cabinet minister Nitin Gadkari said.
Maharashtra’s chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said earlier on X that up to 14 workers had been trapped after the blast and emergency rescue operations were underway.
Industrial disasters are common in India, with experts blaming poor planning and lax enforcement of safety rules. Nine workers were killed in a 2023 blast at a factory in Maharashtra that manufactured drones and explosives.