Nagpur Factory Blast: DNA Tests Delay Body Handover as Families Await Closure
In a tragic incident that has left the community reeling, families of the workers killed in the devastating blast at an explosives factory in Raulgaon, Katol taluka, approximately 30 kilometers from Nagpur, on Sunday are facing an agonizing wait. They are likely to receive the bodies of their loved ones only after DNA reports are finalized, a process expected to take at least 48 hours.
Forensic Challenges and Identification Process
The identification process has become extremely difficult due to the severely mutilated and charred condition of the remains. The forensic medicine department at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) conducted autopsies on the remains, which were brought in 22 bags. Most examinations were completed late in the evening, and the bodies have been preserved in cold storage.
Officials confirmed that the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory has collected samples from relatives for DNA matching. The bodies will only be released after confirmation through this meticulous process. The exact death toll will be established after DNA verification and cross-checking with the company's employment records, though officials fear it could be around 20 or more.
Scenes of Grief and Anxiety Outside GMCH
Outside GMCH, scenes of profound grief and anxiety played out throughout the day as a large number of relatives gathered. Many were unwilling to leave without definitive identification, with some breaking down in tears while others waited in stunned silence. Police maintained a strong presence to manage the crowd amid rising tension and uncertainty.
Critical Condition of Injured Workers
Meanwhile, 18 injured workers, all women, are undergoing treatment at the Orange City Hospital and Research Institute. Out of the 19 injured workers brought to the hospital, one was declared 'brought dead'. All the other 18 workers are reported to be in critical condition, suffering from burn injuries ranging from 30% to 80%, along with splinter wounds, fractures, and hearing damage.
Several of the injured are on ventilators and intensive care support, with some in specialized burn ICU isolation. Tempers flared briefly outside the hospital when relatives, initially barred from seeing the patients due to ICU and infection-control protocols, demanded updates. After intervention by doctors and police, authorities allowed one relative per patient a brief, distanced viewing.
Personal Stories of Tragedy
Among the injured is Sunita Uikey (45), who sustained severe burns. Her parents rushed from Pandhurna in Madhya Pradesh, while her son Rupesh, who reported for the same morning shift at a nearby unit, narrowly escaped the blast. Her husband Krishna expressed the family's distress, noting they could only see her from a distance because of ICU restrictions.
Another worker, Seema Durve (26), suffered serious burns. Her husband Vijay Durve recounted witnessing the tin shed explode and flames engulf the area. He alleged that there was no immediate emergency response, stating, "I saw a woman worker flung up in the air."
Mayuri Durve, a young worker who recently completed Class 12, was also injured. Siblings Manoj Nihare and his sister Amrapali Kalsarpe were among those who reportedly sustained serious burn injuries.
Confirmed Fatalities and Ongoing Priorities
Among those confirmed dead are Savita Kalmegh (40), a mother of two, Prem Das Bagade, and Ganesh Namdeorao Tonge. Officials emphasized that the immediate priority remains the identification of the deceased, treatment of the injured, and securing the accident site. A detailed probe into the cause of the explosion and safety compliance at the unit will follow.
The tragedy has left families across several villages shattered, with many still waiting outside hospitals and the mortuary, hoping for confirmation, closure, and answers. Deceased worker Rajendra Kulmethe's wife Mala shared their story, noting they worked together and came back home together since 2018. In a heart-wrenching plea, she asked, "What am I supposed to do now?"
As the community grapples with this disaster, the focus remains on providing support to the affected families and ensuring a thorough investigation to prevent such incidents in the future.
