A powerful explosion at an illegal firecracker manufacturing unit in Ahmedabad’s Vastral area on Saturday claimed the lives of at least eight people and left nine others injured, triggering a massive fire and a large-scale rescue operation.
According to initial information, the blast occurred inside a fireworks unit identified as Talent Fireworks, which was allegedly operating despite its licence having been cancelled. The explosion was so intense that it sparked a major fire, engulfing the premises and trapping several workers inside.
Emergency response teams, including personnel from the Rapid Action Force (RAF), reached the site soon after the incident. Rescue workers entered the burning factory, pulled trapped labourers from the debris and shifted the injured to safety before fire services brought the blaze under control.
The injured were rushed to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital and LG Hospital in Maninagar, where they are undergoing treatment. Officials said some of the injured have suffered serious burn injuries, and their condition is being closely monitored.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced financial assistance for the victims’ families. In a message shared by the Prime Minister’s Office, he conveyed condolences to those affected and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
“Extremely saddened to hear about the loss of lives due to a mishap at a fireworks factory in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. The local administration is providing all possible assistance to those affected.”
The Prime Minister also approved an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of each deceased victim and ₹50,000 for every person injured in the incident.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion and to examine how the factory continued operations despite its licence reportedly being cancelled. Officials are also expected to probe whether safety norms were ignored and if any lapses by those running the unit contributed to the tragedy.
The incident has once again raised concerns over the functioning of illegal firecracker manufacturing units and the need for stricter enforcement of industrial safety regulations. Further details are expected as rescue teams complete their search of the site and investigators assess the extent of the damage.
