9 killed, 7 hurt in blast at illegal firecracker factory in Gujarat's Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad: At least nine people were killed and seven others injured in a powerful explosion at an illegal firecracker factory in the Shahpur area of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on Saturday morning. The blast tore through the makeshift unit, which was operating without necessary licences or safety clearances, leaving the structure partially collapsed and debris scattered across a wide radius.

Emergency services rushed to the scene soon after the explosion was reported around 9.30 am. Rescue teams worked for hours to pull out the trapped and retrieve bodies from the rubble. Seven injured persons were admitted to nearby hospitals, with some reported to be in critical condition.

Illegal operation in a residential pocket

The factory was located in a congested residential neighbourhood in Shahpur, a locality known for small-scale manufacturing units. Local residents said the unit had been running for several months without any visible safety measures. Neighbours reported hearing a deafening blast that shook nearby buildings and sent a plume of smoke into the sky.

Police officials said the factory was being run illegally. A senior officer told reporters that the owners had not obtained the mandatory licence from the explosives department. "We are investigating who was running the unit and for how long it had been operational. Strict action will be taken," the officer said.

PM Modi condoles, announces relief

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident. In a post on social media, he said, "Pained by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon."

The Prime Minister's Office announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also expressed condolences and directed officials to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured. He said the state government would provide additional compensation.

Investigation and crackdown likely

Ahmedabad Police have registered a case against the factory owners, who are reported to be absconding. Teams have been formed to trace them. Forensic experts are examining the site to determine the exact cause of the explosion. Preliminary reports suggest a stockpile of chemicals and gunpowder stored in the unit may have triggered the blast.

This is not the first such incident in Gujarat. Illegal firecracker units have been a recurring safety hazard, often operating in densely populated areas with no regard for regulations. Authorities have promised a statewide crackdown on unauthorised manufacturing units in the coming days.

The injured are being treated at civil hospitals in Ahmedabad. Officials have not yet confirmed the identities of all the deceased. Rescue operations are complete, and the area has been cordoned off for further investigation. Local residents have demanded strict action against those who allowed the illegal unit to function unchecked.

What happens next: Police are expected to make arrests soon, and the state government is likely to order a high-level inquiry into the blast and the failure of local enforcement agencies to detect the illegal factory earlier.