Daijiworld Media Network – Nagpur

Nagpur, Sep 5: A massive post-midnight explosion ripped through the RDX crystallisation unit of Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) at Chakdoh-Bazargaon, about 40km from Nagpur, killing one worker and injuring at least 25 others.

The blast, which occurred around 12.30 am Thursday, reduced the two-storey facility to rubble. Flames shot up so high they were visible 1.5 km away, while shockwaves damaged buildings within a 2 km radius, including a hotel. The deceased, identified as Mayur Ganvir (31) from Chandrapur, died instantly when a metal door flung off its hinge struck his head. Flying debris injured even workers stationed 700m away.

Doctors confirmed that 17 injured were admitted to a Nagpur private hospital, with seven in ICU. “Two are critical,” said Dr Pinak Dande.

This is the second fatal accident at SDAL in less than two years. In December 2023, nine workers, including women, died in a TNT-handling blast. Survivors alleged that repeated mishaps reflect systemic negligence in enforcing safety standards.

“Smoke started billowing before alarms went off. We rushed out, but explosions tore through the unit,” recounted an injured worker. Another survivor added, “The ground shook like an earthquake. I saw friends collapse, blood everywhere.” Enraged workers later blocked the factory gates, demanding justice.

Police initially registered an accidental death case, later upgrading it to death by negligence against SDAL management after the autopsy. Intelligence agencies also inspected the site, given the company’s role in India’s defence supply chain. The blast site remains cordoned off, with forensic entry delayed due to lingering heat.

Notably, SDAL, one of India’s largest private defence manufacturers, was hit by a major cyberattack last year that compromised sensitive data, raising further concerns over security and safety.