Ammunition Factory Blast Leaves Over Dozen Dead in India

(MENAFN) At least 15 people were killed and more than a dozen others wounded Sunday when a powerful explosion tore through an ammunition manufacturing facility in India's western state of Maharashtra, local police confirmed.

The blast struck the factory in the Kalmeshwar area of Nagpur district at approximately 7:00 a.m. local time. The facility specialized in the production of industrial explosives for use in mining and infrastructure development.

All 15 bodies have been recovered from within the factory grounds, while upward of 12 wounded workers have been transferred to a nearby hospital, with several reported to be in critical condition. A police officer speaking by phone confirmed that all victims were factory employees.

"All victims are factory workers," the officer said, providing early details of the casualties as emergency response teams worked the scene.

The precise cause of the explosion had not been established as of Sunday, with an investigation underway. The blast's origin — whether accidental ignition, equipment failure, or another factor — remains unknown, police said.

The incident adds to a troubling record of industrial accidents at explosive manufacturing and storage sites across India, where safety enforcement at facilities handling hazardous materials has faced recurring scrutiny. Authorities have yet to indicate whether negligence or regulatory violations may have contributed to Sunday's deadly detonation.

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