CM Fadnavis orders inquiry into Nagpur explosives factory blast

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis termed the explosion at an explosives factory in Nagpur district on Sunday, March 1, 2026, as “extremely tragic and unfortunate” and said a detailed investigation into the incident has been ordered.

At least 17 people were killed and 18 others were injured in an explosion at the detonator packaging unit of mining and industrial explosives manufacturer SBL Energy Limited factory at Raulgaon in Katol tehsil, officials said.

An order has been issued for a thorough investigation into the cause of the blast, Mr. Fadnavis said in a statement.

The CM said he was in constant touch with the local administration and the district collector and superintendent of police rushed to the spot immediately after the blast.

He said teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), as well as officials from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) and Defense Information System for Security (DISS), were present in the area and rescue operations were being carried out on a combat basis.

CM expressed his condolences to the victims and their families.

He said the injured were immediately shifted to Nagpur and provided with the best possible medical care and prayed to God for their speedy recovery.