RAIPUR: At least one person died and six were injured in a massive blast at Chhattisgarh‘s biggest explosives factory in Bemetara district on Saturday, reports Rashmi Drolia. Rescuers suspect many victims are buried in the factory rubble and the toll may rise. It’s not known what triggered the explosion.
Witnesses said there were around 100 workers in various units of the factory when the explosion erupted at 7.57am.Sources said there were at least eight to nine people at ground zero of the blast, which blew a 20-ft crater. Locals were seen crying at the gates that their family members were missing. The ‘Special Blast Ltd’ factory manufactures dynamite. Shockwaves of the blast were felt up to 4km away. CCTV footage shows a column of smoke shooting into the sky. A split second later, the shockwave violently rattles the camera. Fear and panic shot through the village of 2,000. Many rushed to the factory, fearing the worst. Protests erupted outside the gates even as smoke spewed from the blast site.
CM Vishnu Deo Sai announced financial aid of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to each injured. Deputy CM Arun Sao visited the site and said a magisterial inquiry had been ordered.
Witnesses said there were around 100 workers in various units of the factory when the explosion erupted at 7.57am.Sources said there were at least eight to nine people at ground zero of the blast, which blew a 20-ft crater. Locals were seen crying at the gates that their family members were missing. The ‘Special Blast Ltd’ factory manufactures dynamite. Shockwaves of the blast were felt up to 4km away. CCTV footage shows a column of smoke shooting into the sky. A split second later, the shockwave violently rattles the camera. Fear and panic shot through the village of 2,000. Many rushed to the factory, fearing the worst. Protests erupted outside the gates even as smoke spewed from the blast site.
CM Vishnu Deo Sai announced financial aid of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to each injured. Deputy CM Arun Sao visited the site and said a magisterial inquiry had been ordered.