Explosion at Maharashtra’s Ordnance Factory: Five Dead, Twelve Trapped Under Collapsed Roof
Bhandara, January 24 : A powerful explosion at an ordnance factory in Bhandara, Maharashtra, on Friday morning claimed five lives and left several others injured. The blast occurred at around 10:30 AM, with its impact felt up to 5 kilometers away, as per local authorities. Thick plumes of smoke billowed into the sky, visible from several kilometers, creating panic in the surrounding areas.
The exact cause of the explosion remains unknown, but the blast triggered the collapse of the building’s roof, trapping at least 12 people underneath. Rescue operations are currently underway, with two individuals successfully pulled out from the debris.
Impact and Rescue Efforts
Bhandara Collector Sanjay Kolte stated that JCB machines are being deployed to clear the rubble and search for survivors. Ambulances and fire trucks have reached the site to assist in the rescue operation.
“The situation is critical as 12 people are believed to be trapped under the collapsed roof. We have already rescued two individuals, but the death toll may rise as the operation continues,” Kolte added.
According to the Defence Public Relations Office (PRO), medical teams and ambulances are stationed at the site. The explosion caused significant structural damage, completely destroying the affected building.
Explosion in RDX Manufacturing Section
The blast occurred in the RKR branch section, where RDX (an explosive material) is manufactured. The facility, located in the Jawaharnagar area, specializes in producing critical defense products, including explosives and acids. This specific section of the factory is equipped with testing facilities and state-of-the-art laboratories for handling sensitive materials.
Political Reactions and Allegations
Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole criticized the central government, calling the incident a result of “the Modi government’s failure” to ensure safety protocols in such sensitive defense establishments.
Patole emphasized the need for accountability and thorough investigation, stating, “This tragic incident underscores the lack of proper oversight and safety measures in critical defense operations. The government must answer for this failure.”
Concerns Over Rising Casualties
Authorities fear the death toll could rise as rescue teams race against time to retrieve those trapped. The site of the explosion has been declared highly hazardous, with emergency responders exercising extreme caution due to the risk of secondary explosions.
Eyewitness accounts describe the explosion as deafening, with locals initially mistaking it for an earthquake. “The sound was so loud that our windows shook violently. Soon, we saw black smoke rising into the sky,” said a resident living 4 kilometers from the site.
High-Risk Operations at the Factory
The Bhandara Ordnance Factory is one of the key facilities producing a range of explosives and critical defense products for the Indian armed forces. It includes high-tech laboratories and testing facilities for evaluating the performance and safety of explosive materials.
Sources indicate that the section where the explosion occurred was engaged in producing RDX, a highly volatile compound used in military-grade explosives.
Government and Defence Ministry Response
The Defence Ministry has taken cognizance of the incident and has directed an in-depth investigation to ascertain the cause of the explosion. Initial reports suggest a possible mishandling of volatile materials, but a detailed analysis will be conducted once the site is secured.
A senior official stated, “Ensuring the safety of all personnel in such high-risk environments is paramount. We will investigate whether there were lapses in safety protocols or any negligence involved.”
Similar Incidents Raise Concerns
This is not the first time an incident of this nature has occurred at a defense establishment. Similar explosions in the past have highlighted systemic issues, including outdated infrastructure and insufficient safety measures. Experts have called for stricter compliance with safety regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.
