Massive Blast At Ordnance Factory In Maharashtra's Bhandara, Six Feared Dead; Rescue Operations Ongoing

At least six people are feared dead after a massive blast at an ordnance factory near Nagpur on Friday (24 January) morning, NDTV reported.

According to District Collector Sanjay Kolte, the blast occurred around 10.30 am at the factory in Bhandara district of Maharashtra, NDTV reported.

Rescue teams and medical staff are actively searching for survivors, while firefighters are working to bring the situation under control.

"There has been an accident of blast at Ordnance factory Bhandara today morning. The rescue & medical teams are deployed for survivors and rescue is underway," authorities have said in a statement.

Kolte said a roof collapsed and at least 12 people were under it during the explosion.

Two people have been rescued, and an excavator is currently being used to clear the debris, he added.

The explosion was so powerful that it was audible even 5 kilometers away.

A video recorded from a distance showed thick smoke billowing from the factory.

The Ordnance Factory Bhandara manufactures single-base propellant, Double Base Propellant (Ballistite), Double Base Propellant (Rocket), High Explosives and its compounds. What Others Are Reading

The factory is located in the Satpura Mountain ranges. 

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