A blast at a factory in Nagpur, India, has killed at least 17 people and injured 18 others, marking the second major industrial accident in the country in two days.

NAGPUR: At least 17 people were killed and 18 others injured in a powerful explosion at an explosives factory in the western Indian state of Maharashtra on Sunday.

The blast occurred in the city of Nagpur, located approximately 800 kilometres from the state capital of Mumbai, prompting a major emergency response.

Maharashtra’s chief minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed the death toll and said rescue operations had been accelerated at the site of the tragedy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the accident as deeply distressing and extended his condolences to the families of the deceased while wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.

Chief Minister Fadnavis, who posted about the incident on social media platform X, called it extremely unfortunate and tragic, and he announced that an investigation has been ordered.

This incident follows another deadly explosion just one day earlier, which killed 21 people at a firecracker factory in the southeastern state of Andhra Pradesh.

Industrial accidents remain common in India, often attributed to a widespread disregard for safety regulations and lax enforcement.

Last year, a similar firework factory explosion in western India also resulted in the deaths of 21 people.

 The Sun Malaysia