Ahmedabad, July 18:
At least nine people, including three children, were killed in a massive explosion and fire at a suspected illegal fireworks manufacturing unit in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on Saturday. Several others sustained severe burn injuries and are undergoing treatment at nearby hospitals.
The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon at a makeshift fireworks unit set up on a vacant plot in Mehmoodpura, Ramol area. Following the powerful blast, nine victims were rushed to LG Hospital, where four were declared dead on arrival. Four more later succumbed to critical burn injuries during treatment. Hospital authorities said the deceased, including three children, had suffered burns over 95% of their bodies.
Six additional injured persons were shifted to Asarwa Civil Hospital, where one more victim later died, taking the death toll to nine. Doctors said some of the remaining injured are in critical condition, and efforts are underway to provide them with the best possible medical care.
Personnel from the nearby Rapid Action Force (RAF) rushed to the scene immediately after hearing the explosion and assisted in rescue operations. Firefighters later brought the blaze under control. Ahmedabad Mayor Hitesh Barot and senior officials visited the site to monitor relief efforts and directed authorities to ensure proper treatment for the injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed deep grief over the tragedy and announced ex gratia compensation for the families of the deceased and those injured. Police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion and to ascertain whether the fireworks unit was operating illegally.
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