Nagpur:Seventeen people were killed and 18 others injured in a devastating explosion that occurred early this morning at SBL Energy Limited – a mining and industrial explosives manufacturing company located in Raulgaon, in Katol near Nagpur, police said.  Nagpur Rural Superintendent of Police Harssh Poddar confirmed the deaths The injured have been shifted to nearby hospitals as well as Orange City Hospital in Nagpur. The exact cause of the explosion is yet to be determined. Rescue operations are ongoing and an investigation has been initiated. 

According to preliminary information, the incident took place between 6 am and 7 am.  The SBL company in Raulgaon manufactures detonators and other explosive materials used in mining. As workers had reported for duty as usual, a sudden and powerful explosion occurred during the detonator manufacturing process.

The sound of the blast was heard beyond the surrounding area, creating panic among villagers. The explosion was so intense that a part of the concerned unit collapsed. Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising into the sky following the incident.