Blast at Illegal Firecracker Factory Kills Nine in Ahmedabad

A massive explosion and subsequent fire destroyed an illegal firecracker manufacturing unit on Ramol-Gatrad Road in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on Saturday afternoon. Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot confirmed that nine individuals died in the incident, while seven others sustained injuries. Emergency responders, including local fire brigades and ambulance services, were deployed immediately to stabilize the scene and transport the injured to LG Hospital and Ahmedabad Civil Hospital for urgent medical attention.

The factory, identified by sources as New Fire Works, reportedly operated without a valid license. Although the facility’s license had been revoked previously, reports suggest that production continued in violation of safety regulations. Police are currently verifying these claims as part of an ongoing investigation into the unit's operational status and the storage of explosive materials. The primary focus of the inquiry involves determining how a facility with a cancelled license remained active, potentially compromising critical safety norms and endangering workers.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, labeling the event extremely heartbreaking. The state government announced an ex gratia payment of ₹4 lakh for the families of each deceased and ₹50,000 for each injured individual. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered condolences to the families and announced an additional ₹2 lakh compensation for the next of kin from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. Local authorities have been instructed to prioritize the treatment of the survivors as the probe into the factory's management continues.