A blast at the ordnance factory in the Jawahar Nagar area of Maharashtra's Bhandara district on Friday morning resulted in at least eight fatalities and seven injuries. Emergency teams, including firefighters and ambulances, were quickly sent to the scene. The explosion caused the factory’s roof to cave in, and earthmovers were used to help clear the debris. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari described the incident as tragic, confirming the loss of eight lives and the injuries of seven others.

“A sad incident has happened. At the ordnance factory in Bhandara, an explosion took place, causing the death of eight people and injuring seven others. This is the early report. I ask everyone to stand for a minute to honour them, and then we will continue with the program,” Nitin Gadkari said at an event in Nagpur.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his sorrow over the explosion and extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. He also wished for the swift recovery of the injured.

“Deeply saddened to know about the blast at Ordnance Factory at Bhandara, Maharashtra. My condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. The rescue teams are deployed at the site. All efforts are being made to provide assistance to those who are affected,” Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh penned in a post on X, which was formerly known as Twitter.

Meanwhile, in response to the explosion at the ordnance factory in Bhandara, Maharashtra, Congress chief Nana Patole stated, “This is the failure of the Modi government.”

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying, "The District Collector and Superintendent of Police are at the scene, and all necessary support is being provided. SDRF and Nagpur Municipal Corporation teams have also been called for rescue efforts and will arrive soon. The district administration is working with the defence forces in the rescue operations, and medical assistance teams are on standby."

He further stated, "Based on the initial information, sadly, one worker has lost their life in this incident. I offer my heartfelt tributes to him. We share the sorrow of his family. I pray to God for the swift recovery of the injured."