8 Killed in Jaipur Firecracker Godown Blast

• Eight people killed in fire following blast at illegal cracker godown
• Incident occurred in Jaipur’s Khoh Nagoriyan area on Tuesday morning
• Victims suffered severe burn injuries; several died during treatment
• Authorities launch investigation into ownership and safety violations

GG News Bureau
Jaipur, 9th June: At least eight people were killed after a powerful blast triggered a massive fire at an alleged illegal firecracker godown in Jaipur’s Khoh Nagoriyan area on Tuesday morning, officials said.

The incident occurred in a small house located in Ayesha Nagar Talai Colony, where firecrackers were allegedly being stored. The explosion was followed by a fierce blaze that rapidly engulfed the premises, trapping several workers inside.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Vinod Sharma confirmed that eight people lost their lives in the incident. Five victims succumbed to burn injuries during treatment at Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital, while one unidentified person was brought dead. Two others died at a private hospital after suffering critical burns.

The deceased have been identified as Sameer, Aajim, Nasir, Abdul Wahid, Rabil, Bilal and Ashraf, while the identity of one victim is yet to be established.

Jaipur Collector Sandesh Nayak said preliminary findings suggest that combustible material stored inside the premises may have caused the fire.

“There was some inflammable material in the house. The exact cause will be established after a detailed investigation,” he said.

Police Commissioner Sachin Mittal said initial evidence indicates that the premises were being used as a firecracker storage facility, with a manufacturing unit operating nearby.

“Prima facie, it appears to be a storage facility,” Mittal said.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion before flames engulfed the building. Several workers attempted to flee, while others became trapped inside as the fire spread rapidly.

Local residents rushed to the scene and launched rescue efforts before fire services arrived. Some victims were pulled out of the burning structure and shifted to hospitals.

A resident involved in the rescue operation said a water tanker was brought to the spot and locals used hose pipes to try to control the flames.

“We managed to pull out three or four people,” he said.

Another local resident, Liaqat, who lives adjacent to the site, said the explosion sounded similar to a cylinder blast. He claimed a wrapper of a fireworks brand was recovered from the debris after the fire.

Additional District Magistrate Yugantar Sharma said fire tenders, ambulances, police teams and senior officials reached the location immediately after receiving information about the incident.

“The ownership and operational details of the facility are still being verified,” Sharma said.

Kishanpole MLA Amin Kagzi visited SMS Hospital and questioned how a hazardous facility was allowed to function in a densely populated residential area.

“Did the police not know that a gunpowder and fireworks factory was functioning in a residential locality?” he asked, alleging lapses in monitoring and enforcement.

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed grief over the tragedy and directed officials to ensure prompt relief and rescue operations, quality medical treatment for the injured and all possible assistance to affected families.

Congress leader and former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also condoled the loss of lives, while Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully expressed sympathy with the victims’ families.

Agriculture Minister Kirori Lal Meena instructed disaster management authorities to ensure proper treatment and support for those injured in the incident.

The tragedy is the second major firecracker-related accident in Rajasthan this year. In February, seven people were killed in a blaze at an illegal firecracker factory in Bhiwadi in Khairthal-Tijara district.

Authorities have launched a detailed investigation into the Jaipur incident to determine the exact cause of the blast and identify those responsible for operating the facility.