New Delhi: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited the explosives manufacturing factory in Nagpur where a blast killed nine people and injured three others on Sunday, news agency ANI reported. The explosion took place in building number HR-CPCH-2 (Mixing, Melting and Casting) of Solar Industries India Limited. According to police, 12 people were present in the unit when the incident took place.

#WATCH | Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde visits the site of the explosion at Solar Industries in Nagpur and inspects the situation.

(Source: CMO) pic.twitter.com/9roPfBhbom

— ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2023

The incident occurred in the unit where boosters used in coal mines are manufactured. The blast happened when sealing work of the product was underway.

Meanwhile, angry locals and relatives of the victims blocked the Amravati-Nagpur highway as a mark of protest. They staged a protest demanding access to the factory premises to see the bodies of their kin. A senior police officer told PTI that there are explosives near the blast site and the bodies will be recovered after the explosives are removed.

According to the report, around 200 people stood outside the factory gate shouting slogans as the police tried to pacify them.

In a statement, Ashish Srivastava, senior general manager of Solar Industries India Limited said the firm was fully committed to provide support to the bereaved families.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis visited the site and spoke to the family of the victims. Taking to X, Fadnavis wrote the government will provide a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the family of each of the deceased and that the company will pay Rs 20 lakh to each of them.

Senior Congressman and Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly Vijay Wadettiwar said the state must give Rs 50 lakh as compensation. He also questioned the safety norms at the factory and said the owner should be booked.

#WATCH | Maharashtra Leader of Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar visits the explosion site at Solar Industries in Nagpur and inspects the situation.

(Source: Maharashtra LOP Office) pic.twitter.com/ybg6q4kLsC

— ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2023

The Congress leader also said he will raise the issue in the ongoing Assembly session on Monday, PTI reported.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, too, visited the spot and informed CM Shinde has ordered an inquiry into the matter.