5 killed in explosion at illegal firecracker factory in Ahmedabad
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Ahmedabad: At least five people were killed and nine others injured after a powerful explosion tore through an illegal firecracker manufacturing unit in Ahmedabad's Vastral area on Saturday, triggering a major fire and a large-scale rescue operation, officials said.
Authorities said the death toll could rise as search operations continued into the evening.
The explosion occurred at the factory on Ramol-Gatrad Road behind the Rapid Action Force (RAF) camp. The blast was so powerful that it was heard up to five kilometres away and caused extensive damage to the building.
Fire officials said the structure was severely damaged, with debris trapping several workers inside.
Personnel from the nearby RAF camp rushed to the site immediately after hearing the explosion and began rescuing those trapped beneath the debris before fire brigade teams arrived.
More than five fire engines were deployed to contain the blaze, which was later brought under control. Cooling operations continued to prevent any fresh flare-ups.
The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals, including L.G. Hospital and Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. Officials said several victims were being treated for burn injuries and trauma, while rescue teams continued searching the damaged premises.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Sector-2) Jaipal Singh Rathore told IANS: "Five people are dead. Eight to nine injured have all been rushed to hospital. The fire has been brought under control. It is not a big establishment."
Senior civic and police officials, including Ahmedabad Mayor Hitesh Barot, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation officials, Zone-8 Deputy Commissioner of Police Mayur Patil and JCP Rathore, visited the site to oversee rescue and relief operations.
Police said preliminary findings indicated that the firecracker unit was operating illegally.
According to investigators, the unit was being operated by Mehul Dodiya. They said its 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 factory.
The identities of several victims were still being verified late on Saturday as rescue operations continued.
With IANS inputs