Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Sunday termed the explosion at the SBL Industrial Explosives unit extremely unfortunate and assured maximum support to affected families. He said both male and female workers lost their lives while earning their livelihood. As of 4 pm, the death toll stood at 17, and he noted that the number of women victims is higher because more women worked in the affected unit.

 

“The lives lost cannot be brought back, but the government will extend maximum help to the families of the deceased and injured,” he said. Bawankule made it clear that a thorough investigation is underway to check whether the company had all required permissions and proper safety systems. “No one found guilty will be spared,” he warned. Soon after the blast, he directed the district administration to begin relief work immediately and ensure prompt medical care. District Collector Dr. Vipin Itankar, SP Dr Harssh Poddar, NDRF teams and medical staff rushed to the site. The injured were quickly shifted to Orange City Hospital and other facilities. Later, Bawankule personally visited the spot and reviewed the situation. Minister of State for Finance and Planning Adv. Ashish Jaiswal accompanied him, along with several public representatives. Reiterating the government’s stand, he said strict action will be taken against those responsible and directed officials to conduct regular inspections of such factories in future.