Nagpur, India: An investigation into the fireworks fuse manufacturing unit explosion in Katol taluka on Sunday has revealed shocking safety problems. Over one tonne of gunpowder was stored outside, violating safety rules, and many unskilled and untrained workers were handling the dangerous material. The blast resulted in seven explosions, killing two people and injuring three others.

Authorities say that a burning ‘beedi’ was accidentally dropped by a worker in a room, known as the Curi room, where about 250 kg of gunpowder was kept. This first explosion led to six more blasts, causing a massive fire and the collapse of nearby structures. The unit had been operating even though it was ordered to close by the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health eight months ago.

SP Nagpur Rural Harssh A. Poddar reported that Kalmeshwar police are seeking an arrest warrant for the unit's owner, Sohail Amin Ali, who is currently missing. "We are gathering scientific evidence for the case," Poddar said.

Investigators found that the unit employed untrained workers who lived close to dangerously stored gunpowder. Workers were seen smoking, cooking, and doing chores near unsafe storage areas. "There were no proper storage facilities, and some air blowers were even used as makeshift gunpowder magazines. Safety precautions weren’t followed, and workers didn’t understand the danger," an official source explained.

The investigation is ongoing as officials work to hold those responsible accountable for this tragic incident.