The death toll in the explosion at an explosives factory in Nagpur, Maharashtra, has reportedly risen to nine, with the last survivor succumbing to his injuries on Sunday, according to authorities.
Dande Hospital Director Dr Pinak Dande told PTI that Pramod Chavare died on Saturday night due to his burns at a private medical centre, PTI reported.
The explosion took place around 1:00 pm on Thursday at Chamundi Explosives Pvt. Ltd. Ltd. in Dhamna village under Hingna police station limits, about 25 km from the city.
Later, nine injured people were admitted to two private hospitals in the city. While six of them died during treatment on Thursday, three others succumbed in the last two days. Among the deceased were six women.
According to police officials, most of the victims were working in the packaging unit of the factory when the explosion occurred.
The police on Friday arrested Jay Shivshankar Khemka (49), director of the factory, and manager Sagar Deshmukh. They were produced before First Class Judicial Magistrate, Hingna. The two were soon granted cash bail of Rs 50,000 each on Friday.
A case has been registered against the two accused under sections 286 (negligent conduct in respect of explosive substances) of the Indian Penal Code, 304 (a) (causing death of any person by doing any reckless act or negligent) and 338 (causing serious damage). injured by doing any reckless or negligent act), police said earlier.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari visited the blast-affected factory along with officials.
“The factory management has ensured to provide Rs 25 lakh to the families of each deceased, while the state government will give Rs 10 lakh to the family members of each victim,” he said.
The factory is located in Dhamna village under Hingna police station limits, about 25 km from Nagpur city.
Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Vijay Wadettiwar also visited the spot. He said the guidelines prescribed for such factories should be strictly implemented. According to PTI reports, he demanded compensation of Rs 35 lakh and monthly pension of Rs 20,000 to the families of those killed in the Nagpur factory blast.
(With input from PTI)
