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March 1, 2026, Nagpur: A devastating explosion at the SBL Energy Limited factory in the Raulgaon area of Katol tehsil claimed the lives of at least fifteen workers early Sunday morning. The incident occurred shortly after the morning shift began, specifically within the detonator packing section of the facility. According to initial reports from the site, the blast was so powerful that it caused significant structural damage to the unit and was heard by residents in neighboring villages.
Emergency services and local police teams reached the scene within an hour to initiate rescue operations. Officials confirmed that approximately thirty-five personnel were present in the immediate vicinity when the blast occurred between 7:00 am and 7:15 am. In addition to the fatalities, eighteen other employees sustained critical injuries and were rushed to various hospitals in Nagpur for intensive medical care.
Senior administrative and police officials, including the District Collector and the Superintendent of Police, arrived at the factory to oversee the recovery efforts. While the exact cause of the ignition remains under investigation, technical experts and forensic teams have been called in to examine the remains of the packing plant. The company, which specializes in manufacturing industrial explosives for mining and infrastructure projects, has not yet released a formal statement regarding the safety protocols in place at the time of the accident.
The local administration has cordoned off the premises to ensure the safety of the surrounding area as search operations continue through the debris. Authorities are currently working to identify all the victims and notify their families.
