Union minister Nitin Gadkari confirmed that eight individuals lost their lives following an explosion at the ordnance factory located in Bhandara district, Maharashtra, on Friday.
“According to initial reports, seven individuals sustained injuries in the explosion,” Gadkari informed reporters.
A senior district official said the blast caused the roof of the unit to collapse. Search and rescue efforts were underway at the site, he said.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had earlier said that 13 to 14 workers were stuck at the site.
According to police and district authorities, the explosion occurred in the LTP section of the ordnance factory located in the Jawahar Nagar area around 10:30 am this morning.
District Collector Sanjay Kolte said 13 to 14 people were working in the unit at the time of the incident.
He reported that six individuals were rescued from the scene, with one of them unfortunately succumbing to their injuries, while the others are currently receiving medical care at a hospital.
