17 killed in Nagpur factory blast; PM announces Rs 2 lakh ex gratia for kin

March 1, 2026

New Delhi: At least 17 people were killed in a massive explosion at an explosives factory in Nagpur district, Maharashtra, on Sunday, police confirmed. The incident occurred at SBL Energy Limited, a mining and industrial explosives manufacturer, located in Raulgaon, Katol tehsil. Several others were injured and rushed to hospitals in Nagpur for treatment.

PMO Announces Financial Assistance

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) expressed condolences and announced financial aid for victims’ families. In a post on X, the PMO said:

“The explosion at a factory in Nagpur, Maharashtra, is deeply distressing. My condolences to the families of the deceased. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. The local administration is assisting those affected. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000.”

State Administration Responds

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called the incident “extremely unfortunate and tragic.” In a post on X, he said:

“The incident of the explosion at an explosives factory in Raulgaon in Nagpur district is extremely unfortunate and tragic. I am in constant contact with the local administration. The District Collector and Superintendent of Police have reached the incident site immediately. NDRF and SDRF teams are also at the site. Teams from PESO and DISH have arrived. Rescue operations have been accelerated, and so far, 17 people have lost their lives. I pay heartfelt tribute to the deceased. We share in the grief of their families.”

He further added that 18 people were injured and shifted to hospitals, and a thorough investigation into the incident has been ordered.

Ongoing Rescue and Investigation

Rescue and relief operations are underway, with emergency teams working to clear debris, tend to the injured, and assess the cause of the blast. Authorities have launched a detailed probe to determine the circumstances that led to this deadly explosion.