Ahmedabad: The death toll in the explosion and fire at an alleged illegal fireworks manufacturing unit in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad has risen to nine, while several others remain hospitalised with severe burn injuries, officials said on Saturday.
The blast occurred at a shed on Ramol-Gatrad Road in the Mehmoodpura area on Saturday afternoon, triggering a massive fire that caused parts of the structure to collapse and trapped several workers under the debris. Firefighters, police and rescue teams rushed to the spot and shifted the injured to nearby hospitals.
According to officials, eight of the victims died after being taken to L.G. Hospital—four were declared dead on arrival, while four others later succumbed to their injuries during treatment. Another injured person died at Asarwa Civil Hospital, taking the death toll to nine.
Several injured persons continue to undergo treatment, with some reported to be in critical condition.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed grief over the loss of lives. The Prime Minister announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured.
