A powerful explosion at a metal processing factory in Raipur's Urla Industrial Area claimed the lives of three workers on Tuesday evening, raising serious questions over industrial safety standards and the alleged employment of a minor in hazardous work. The blast occurred at the 3D Innovation factory in Bendri, with the impact so severe that body parts of the victims were reportedly found scattered up to 200 metres from the accident site.

Police, forensic experts and labour department officials have launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on the cause of the explosion, adherence to workplace safety norms and allegations that workers were assigned high-risk duties without proper training or protective equipment.

Blast During Oxygen Cylinder Replacement

According to preliminary information, the explosion occurred while 17-year-old Arun Pandey was reportedly replacing an oxygen cylinder in the factory's tapping unit. Arun, a resident of Janjgir-Champa, died on the spot.

The other deceased were identified as Lal Singh, a resident of Dindori district in Madhya Pradesh, who also died instantly, and 25-year-old Kamal Singh, who succumbed to his injuries while being shifted to hospital.

The force of the blast caused extensive damage inside the production unit, with human remains reportedly scattered across a large section of the factory premises.

Eyewitnesses Recall Moments of Horror

Workers present at the site described scenes of chaos immediately after the explosion.

Ramkumar Devangan, who was working in the tapping section, said the factory was plunged into darkness following the blast. When electricity was restored around ten minutes later, workers found the bodies of their colleagues and severed body parts lying across the shop floor.

He said the victims were young workers and expressed grief over the loss, adding that he himself survived by chance.

Workers Allege Lack of Safety and Training

Several employees alleged that they had been assigned furnace-related work without receiving formal training.

Surya Bhan Singh, a worker from Umaria district in Madhya Pradesh, claimed he had joined the factory three months ago and was directly deployed in the furnace section without any safety orientation. He further alleged that workers were not provided with adequate protective gear.

Another worker, Ankit Singh, said even basic safety shoes were not supplied by the management and employees were reportedly asked to purchase them on their own.

Food Being Cooked Near Furnace

Workers also claimed that some employees were preparing food near the tapping unit using heat generated from the furnace after their cooking gas cylinder had run out.

Authorities have not confirmed whether this had any role in the explosion, but investigators are examining all possible factors that may have contributed to the accident.

Minor Employment Under Investigation

One of the key aspects under investigation is the alleged employment of 17-year-old Arun Pandey in hazardous industrial work.

His family alleged that despite the risky nature of the work, adequate safety arrangements were absent and workers were not provided with essential protective equipment.

Legal experts note that employing individuals between 14 and 18 years of age in hazardous industries such as factories and mines is prohibited under Indian law. Violations can attract criminal prosecution, imprisonment and financial penalties if established.

Factory Operations and Probe

The 3D Innovation factory has reportedly been operating in the Urla industrial area since 2005. The company is engaged in pig iron refining, ferro silicon production and related industrial manufacturing activities.

Police, the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), the Labour Department and other concerned agencies are examining whether safety protocols were followed, whether statutory norms were violated and whether negligence contributed to the fatal explosion.

Officials are also expected to investigate the factory's compliance with labour laws, worker training requirements and occupational safety standards before fixing responsibility for the incident.

The death toll in the devastating firecracker factory blast in Dewas has risen to eight after two more injured workers succumbed to burn injuries during treatment. The victims, identified as Ajay and Niranjan, were undergoing treatment at MY Hospital in Indore following the explosion that took place on May 14 in the Tonkkalan area.

Hospital officials confirmed that both patients died late Friday night while receiving treatment in the burn unit. Doctors said their condition had remained critical since the day of the explosion due to extensive burn injuries. The tragedy has once again highlighted concerns over industrial safety standards and working conditions at firecracker manufacturing units operating in different parts of the state.

Blast Leaves Massive Damage

The explosion occurred on May 14 at around 11:30 am inside a firecracker factory in Tonkkalan area of Dewas district. According to officials and eyewitnesses, the blast was extremely powerful and could be heard from a considerable distance. The impact of the explosion shattered portions of the factory structure and damaged surrounding areas. Local residents said nearby houses shook during the blast, creating panic across the locality.

Investigators said body parts and debris were thrown nearly 20 to 25 feet away from the blast site due to the intensity of the explosion. Visuals from the scene showed charred remains, burnt materials, and damaged walls scattered across the factory premises.

Workers Suffered Severe Burns

More than 20 workers sustained injuries in the incident, many of them suffering extensive burns. Several victims were shifted to hospitals in Indore for emergency treatment due to the seriousness of their condition. Doctors treating the injured said at least three workers had suffered burns covering nearly 99 percent of their bodies.

Hospital staff stated that burn patients required continuous monitoring because of high risk of infection and complications associated with severe thermal injuries. Medical teams at MY Hospital have deployed nursing staff in rotational shifts around the clock to ensure uninterrupted care for critically injured patients.

Earlier Deaths Reported

Before the latest fatalities, six workers had already died in connection with the factory explosion. Initially, authorities confirmed the deaths of Dheeraj, Sunny, and Sumit shortly after the blast. Later, two more injured workers, identified as Amar and Guddu, died while undergoing treatment at Amaltas Hospital.

Another injured worker, Ram, son of Mukesh Kumar, died earlier this week during treatment at MY Hospital in Indore. With the deaths of Ajay and Niranjan, the total number of fatalities has now increased to eight. Officials said several deceased workers belonged to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and had reportedly come to Madhya Pradesh for employment.

One Patient Still Critical

Meanwhile, another injured worker identified as Vishal, 25, remains admitted in the neurosurgery ward after suffering serious head injuries during the blast. Doctors said the force of the explosion threw him to a considerable distance, causing severe trauma to his head and resulting in blood clot formation.

Medical teams are closely monitoring his neurological condition and continuing treatment under specialist supervision. Hospital sources said his recovery remains uncertain and he continues to require intensive care.

Hospitals Continue Treatment

Apart from MY Hospital, some injured workers were also admitted to Choithram Hospital in Indore for treatment. Hospital authorities confirmed that three patients were discharged after improvement in their condition, while one patient continues to remain under observation. Doctors indicated that the remaining patient’s condition is stable and discharge may be considered after further medical evaluation. Healthcare teams involved in the treatment process said extensive precautions are being taken to prevent infection among burn victims, which remains one of the biggest risks during recovery.

Safety Questions Raised

The factory blast has once again raised serious questions over compliance with industrial safety norms at firecracker manufacturing units. Labour activists and local residents have demanded a detailed investigation into whether proper safety protocols, storage regulations, and emergency arrangements were in place at the factory before the explosion occurred. Officials are also examining whether the unit possessed the required licences and followed mandated operational guidelines for handling explosive materials. Authorities have not yet released a final report regarding the exact cause of the blast.

Police and district administration teams continue to investigate the circumstances leading to the explosion. Officials are collecting evidence from the site and recording statements from factory staff, survivors, and local witnesses.