A powerful blast at an ordnance factory in Jawahar Nagar, Bhandara, Maharashtra, claimed one life and left six workers trapped under debris on Friday morning. The explosion, which occurred in the RDX manufacturing section, caused a fire and structural collapse that was felt in nearby villages and heard up to 5 kilometers away. Rescue operations, led by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), are underway, with seven workers already pulled from the rubble. JCB machines and specialized equipment are being used to clear debris and locate the remaining trapped workers.

District Collector Sanjay Kolte confirmed that emergency response teams, including fire brigade units and ambulances, were dispatched immediately. The injured workers have been hospitalized, with some sustaining severe burns. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed condolences to the bereaved families and assured full support for rescue operations. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also extended sympathies, emphasizing efforts for the injured’s recovery.

The factory’s management is investigating the cause of the blast while relatives of night-shift workers anxiously await updates. Teams from the State Disaster Response Force and Nagpur Municipal Corporation are assisting in rescue efforts, while medical teams remain on standby.