8 killed in Ahmedabad firecracker factory blast; PM announces Rs 2 lakh ex gratia

Police identified the factory operator as Mehul Dodiya. Investigators said the unit's licence had already been cancelled, but manufacturing activities were allegedly continuing despite the revocation.

In Short

• Explosion at unlicensed unit on Ramol-Gatrad Road canal
• Injured workers admitted to nearby hospitals for treatment
• Police register case of culpable homicide against owner

Eight people were killed and more than 10 others injured in an explosion at an illegally operating firecracker factory in Ahmedabad on Saturday, police said.

The blast occurred at a unit functioning on an open ground along the Ramol-Gatrad Road. The death toll, initially reported as two, later rose to eight as rescue operations continued.

The injured workers were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

"Firecrackers were being manufactured in an open space. Preliminary information suggests that 12 to 15 people were working at the site," said JCP Jaipal Singh Rathore.

Police identified the factory operator as Mehul Dodiya. Investigators said the unit's licence had already been cancelled, but manufacturing activities were allegedly continuing despite the revocation.

SITUATION UNDER CONTROL

Authorities said the situation was under control and the fire had been contained.

Local police said a case would be registered under sections related to culpable homicide not amounting to murder and relevant provisions of the Explosives Act.

Teams from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and other investigating agencies have been called to the site to determine the cause of the explosion and examine possible violations of safety regulations.

PM MODI CONDOLES DEATHS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the deaths and announced ex gratia compensation for the victims' families and those injured.

"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," the Prime Minister said on X, adding that the local administration is providing all possible assistance to those affected.

PM Modi also announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of the deceased, while those injured will receive Rs 50,000 each.

- Ends