At least 17 people were killed and 18 others injured in an explosion at an explosives factory on Sunday in Nagpur, located in the western Indian state of Maharashtra, officials said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the accident as “deeply distressing” and extended his wishes for a speedy recovery to those affected.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called the incident “extremely unfortunate and tragic” in a post on X, confirming that rescue operations were underway. “So far, 17 people have lost their lives, and 18 others are injured,” he said.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the blast.
The incident comes a day after 21 people died in a firecracker factory explosion in the southeastern state of Andhra Pradesh. Industrial accidents remain common in India, often linked to lax safety standards and enforcement.
Last year, a similar firework factory explosion in western India claimed 21 lives.
