NAGPUR (2 March 2026) — The death toll from the massive explosion at SBL Energy Limited in Katol tehsil rose to 19 on Monday after another worker succumbed to injuries. Maharashtra Minister and Nagpur District Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, following a high-level review meeting, alleged gross “negligence” on the part of the explosives manufacturer and called for the accountability of multiple regulatory agencies.
Allegations of Regulatory and Corporate Failure
Minister Bawankule stated that a preliminary probe indicates that basic safety protocols were bypassed at the detonator packing unit. He specifically named several oversight bodies, suggesting they failed in their duty to enforce safety standards in the region’s high-risk industrial units.
Agencies identified for potential accountability include:
- PESO: Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation.
- DISH: Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health.
- Labour Commissionerate: Responsible for monitoring working conditions and safety compliance.
“There was prima facie negligence by SBL Energy Limited. We must fix the accountability of the agencies whose job it was to ensure that safety practices were being followed,” Bawankule told reporters at the divisional commissionerate.
Police Action and Arrests
The Nagpur Rural Police have transitioned from an Accidental Death Report (ADR) to a formal criminal case.
- Charges: The Kalmeshwar police have registered a case against 21 directors and shareholders of SBL Energy Limited under Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
- Arrests: Nine directors of the company have been taken into custody as of Monday morning for questioning.
- Initial Findings: A report by PESO and the Defence Information System for Security (DISS) reportedly confirmed significant “safety lacunae” at the facility.
Casualty and Medical Update
The explosion, which occurred between 7:00 AM and 7:15 AM on Sunday, primarily affected the packing section where a large number of women were employed.
- Injured: 23 workers remain hospitalised, with 13 in critical condition at Orange City Hospital and other private facilities.
- Nature of Injuries: Victims have sustained severe thermal burns (ranging from 30% to 80%), splinter wounds, hearing loss, and multiple fractures.
- Identification: Due to the intensity of the blast, many bodies were charred beyond recognition, and DNA samples are being collected from relatives to confirm identities.
Financial Assistance
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who has ordered a thorough investigation, announced that the state government will provide ₹5 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased. Additionally, the Prime Minister’s Office has announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the PMNRF for the deceased’s families and ₹50,000 for the injured. SBL Energy Limited has also committed to bearing the full cost of medical treatment and providing further compensation.
Sources
- The Hindu: “Nagpur factory blast: Nine directors of explosives company arrested” (2 March 2026)
- Outlook India: “Nagpur Factory Blast Death Toll Rises To 19 As Another Worker Dies” (2 March 2026)
- The Times of India: “18 workers dead, 24 injured in blast at explosives unit in Nagpur rural” (2 March 2026)
- Press Trust of India (PTI): “Nagpur blast: Probe points to company’s negligence…” (2 March 2026)
- The Indian Express: “Women bear the brunt in Nagpur factory blast: 18 killed, 24 injured” (2 March 2026)
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