Nagpur: A powerful blast tore through Solar Industries’ explosives unit at Bazargaon, around 40 kilometres from Nagpur, late Wednesday night, killing one worker and injuring more than ten others. Several victims sustained serious injuries from flying debris as parts of the factory were reduced to rubble.

The explosion reportedly took place inside the company’s safety and commercial explosives unit between 12 and 12:30 am. Workers said smoke was seen rising from a reactor for nearly 20 minutes before the deafening blast struck. Eyewitnesses described the impact as so severe that stones and debris injured dozens, with many workers thrown off their feet.

The injured were rushed to local hospitals, with a large number admitted to Dhande Hospital in Nagpur. Dr Nripal Dhande, ICU in-charge, confirmed that 22–23 patients had been treated. While many were discharged after first aid, nine remained under observation, including two women. “Two of them are in critical condition and on ventilator support,” Dr Dhande said.

Former Maharashtra Home Minister and NCP (SP) leader Anil Deshmukh expressed concern over the tragedy. “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,” he said.

Police quickly secured the site as crowds gathered at the factory gates. Heavy security deployment remained in place while investigations were launched into the cause of the blast.

This marks the second major explosion at Solar Industries’ Bazargaon facility in less than two years. In December 2023, a similar blast at the same plant killed nine workers, raising serious concerns over repeated lapses in industrial safety at the unit.