Five Killed in Ahmedabad Firecracker Factory Blast
Nine injured as explosion at illegal firecracker unit triggers massive fire and rescue operation
- Five people killed and nine injured in Ahmedabad explosion.
- Blast occurred at an illegal firecracker manufacturing unit.
- Rescue teams continue search as death toll may rise.
- Police launch probe into illegal operations and cause of blast.
GG News Bureau
Ahmedabad, 18th July: At least five people were killed and nine others injured after a powerful explosion ripped through an alleged illegal firecracker manufacturing unit in Ahmedabad’s Vastral area on Saturday, triggering a massive fire and rescue operation.
The blast occurred at the factory on Ramol-Gatrad Road, behind the Rapid Action Force (RAF) camp. Officials said the explosion was so powerful that it was heard up to five kilometres away and caused extensive structural damage, trapping several workers under the debris.
Personnel from the nearby RAF camp rushed to the site immediately after the explosion and began rescue efforts before fire brigade teams arrived. More than five fire engines were deployed to control the blaze, which was later brought under control. Cooling operations continued to prevent fresh flare-ups.
The injured were shifted to L.G. Hospital and Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, where several were undergoing treatment for burn injuries and trauma.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Sector-2) Jaipal Singh Rathore said five people had died, while eight to nine injured persons had been admitted to hospitals. He added that rescue operations were continuing and the death toll could rise.
Senior police and civic officials, including Ahmedabad Mayor Hitesh Barot, visited the site to monitor rescue and relief operations.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the firecracker manufacturing unit was operating illegally. Police identified the operator as Mehul Dodiya and said the factory’s licence had previously been cancelled, but manufacturing activities were allegedly continuing.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion and the alleged illegal operation of the unit. The identities of some victims were still being verified as rescue teams continued searching the debris.
