Panic gripped Bazargaon, about 40 km from Nagpur, when a powerful blast tore through Solar Industries’ explosives unit late Wednesday night. The midnight explosion killed one worker and left at least 10 others injured, many of them suffering serious injuries from flying debris.
The blast is believed to have occurred inside the plant’s safety and commercial explosives division between 12 midnight and 12:30 am. Workers recalled seeing smoke escaping from a reactor for nearly 20 minutes before the sudden detonation ripped apart sections of the facility.
Eyewitnesses described the moment of impact as devastating. “The incident took place around midnight. After continuous smoke for 20–25 minutes, the blast occurred, and 40–50 people were hit by stones,” recounted one injured worker, who was thrown off balance by the shockwave.
Emergency teams rushed the injured to nearby hospitals, with many admitted to Dhande Hospital in Nagpur. Dr. Nripal Dhande, ICU in-charge, said, “22–23 people had been treated at the hospital. While most were discharged after first aid, nine patients, including two women, remained under observation. Two of them are in critical condition and on ventilator support.”
Political leaders also voiced concern. NCP (SP) leader Anil Deshmukh said, “Seventeen people have been injured, and one has died in this blast. Such incidents highlight the need for strict adherence to safety measures. The government must ensure that all industrial safety norms are properly followed.”
Police cordoned off the area soon after the blast, preventing large crowds that had gathered at the factory gates from entering. Security was stepped up through the night as forensic and technical experts began examining the site to determine the exact cause.
