Explosion rips through SBL explosives factory near Nagpur - 17 dead, 18 injured

A massive explosion tore through an explosives manufacturing unit operated by SBL Energy Limited in Raulgaon village near Nagpur early Sunday morning, killing at least 17 people and injuring 18, officials said. The blast ignited a fire and caused a partial collapse of the factory, complicating rescue operations and sending panicked villagers fleeing the area.

The plant is located in Raulgaon (sometimes spelled Ravalgaon) in Katol tehsil of Nagpur district. Company references in reports describe the firm as SBL Energy Limited or SBL Company, and one account said it had previously been referred to as Special Blasts Limited; the facility produces mining and industrial explosives, including detonators and associated materials used in mining and infrastructure projects.

Emergency crews said the explosion was powerful enough to severely damage the structure and scatter debris across the site. Local police and fire services were first on the scene, and teams from the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation and the District Industrial Safety and Health unit later joined search-and-rescue efforts. Several injured were moved to hospitals in Nagpur for treatment; officials said some were in critical condition.

Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, posting on X, said, "Rescue teams of NDRF and SDRF have immediately reached the spot and relief work is going on a war footing. I myself am in constant touch with all the agencies and am monitoring the situation." He also warned that "strict action will be taken against the culprits," without giving further detail on the nature of any alleged wrongdoing.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the explosion as "unfortunate and tragic" and confirmed the casualty figures while announcing that a thorough investigation had been ordered. "The relief work has been accelerated and so far 17 people have died. 18 people injured in this incident are shifted to Nagpur," he said, adding that the state government would provide ₹5 lakh to the next of kin of those killed. The chief minister said the company involved "will also provide financial assistance to their families."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex gratia payment of ₹2 lakh to the kin of each deceased, and President Droupadi Murmu expressed condolences, officials said.

Initial social-media posts and some early headlines cited a lower toll of 15 dead, a discrepancy officials and major reporting attributed to preliminary counts as rescue teams continued to recover bodies and treat the injured. Authorities have not released a full list of victims, and no formal statement from SBL Energy Limited was available in public reports at the time.

The blast intensifies scrutiny of safety in high-risk industrial operations. Local officials have pledged a full probe by state agencies and safety regulators, and asked for swift action if lapses are found. Key questions that remain include the precise cause and timing of the explosion, the number and status of workers on site at the time, the plant's safety record and licensing history, and the identities of the victims. Authorities said they would release further details as the investigation and rescue work proceed.