Nagpur Factory Blast Death Toll Climbs to 20 as Second Worker Succumbs to Injuries
The devastating aftermath of the massive explosion at an industrial explosives factory in Raulgaon village, located in Kalmeshwar taluka of Nagpur district, has taken a grim turn as the death toll climbed to 20 on Friday. This tragic incident, which occurred on March 1, continues to send shockwaves through the community and has prompted a rigorous police investigation.
Second Worker Dies from Severe Burn Injuries
Durga Sevatkar, a 42-year-old worker who sustained nearly 60% burn injuries in the explosion at the crimping unit of SBL Energy Ltd, succumbed while undergoing treatment. Officials confirmed that she died at approximately 8:13 am on Friday due to septicaemia, a severe complication arising from her extensive burn injuries.
Sevatkar's postmortem was conducted at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Nagpur, following which her body was handed over to her relatives on Friday afternoon. Her death marks the second fatality among workers receiving medical care after the blast. Earlier, Ranjana Ghagre, aged 34, lost her battle for life on Monday after fighting for nearly 24 hours.
Ongoing Treatment for Injured Workers
Meanwhile, the remaining 17 injured workers continue to receive critical care at a private hospital. Doctors have reported that these patients suffered burn injuries ranging between 30% and 70%, and they are under close monitoring as medical teams work tirelessly to stabilize their conditions. The severity of the injuries underscores the catastrophic nature of the explosion.
Police Investigation and Arrests
In response to the tragedy, police have registered a case against 21 directors and shareholders of SBL Energy Ltd, with 11 of them already arrested. Lookout notices have been issued to apprehend the remaining individuals. Two teams from the local crime branch have been deployed to various locations in Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra in a concerted effort to track down those who are evading capture.
Details of the Devastating Blast
The catastrophic accident unfolded between 7:00 am and 7:15 am on March 1 in the detonator packing unit, specifically building 16B. At the time, approximately 30 to 35 workers, predominantly women, were present at the site. The explosion was so powerful that it was heard several kilometres away, triggering massive flames, collapsing structures, and scattering debris across the factory premises.
This incident highlights critical safety concerns in industrial settings and has raised questions about regulatory oversight. As the community mourns the loss of lives, authorities are focused on providing medical support to the injured and ensuring justice through legal proceedings against those responsible.
