A devastating fire at a firecracker manufacturing and processing unit near Ahmedabad claimed the lives of eight people and left at least 10 others injured on Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred at a facility comprising open plots and sheds near Mehmudpura village on the Ramol-Gatrad Road, triggering a large-scale emergency response.
The blaze spread rapidly through the premises, where firecrackers and other highly combustible materials were being manufactured and processed. Thick smoke engulfed the area as emergency teams rushed to the site to carry out rescue and firefighting operations.
RAF Personnel Recovered Eight Bodies Before Firefighters Brought Blaze Under Control
According to officials, personnel from the Rapid Action Force (RAF) were among the first responders to reach the site. Before fire brigade teams arrived, RAF personnel recovered eight unidentified bodies from the affected premises.
Firefighters later managed to bring the blaze under control after an extensive operation. Cooling operations continued at the site to prevent any possibility of the fire reigniting and to ensure the area was safe for rescue personnel and investigators.
The identities of the deceased had not been established at the time of reporting.
At Least 10 Injured, One Victim Suffers 90 Per Cent Burns
The fire also left at least 10 people injured. Several victims were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Hospital sources said that five injured persons were admitted to LG Hospital. Among them, one victim sustained nearly 90 per cent burn injuries and remains in critical condition. The condition of the other injured persons has not yet been officially disclosed.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the victims while medical teams provide treatment.
Massive Firefighting Operation Launched
A large contingent of the fire brigade was deployed to tackle the blaze. Several specialised firefighting vehicles were pressed into service, including:
- One mini fire fighter
- Two 20,000-litre water bowsers
- Two Rapid Intervention Vehicles (RIVs)
- One ambulance
The scale of the response reflected the intensity of the fire and the risks associated with a facility handling explosive and highly flammable materials.
Investigation Underway to Determine Cause of Fire
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine how the fire started. Officials will examine the circumstances that led to the incident and assess whether the unit was following the required fire safety measures and operational protocols.
Investigators are expected to inspect the factory premises and gather evidence before arriving at any conclusion regarding the cause of the blaze.
Authorities Await Identification of Victims
The bodies recovered from the site are yet to be identified. Officials are working to establish the identities of the deceased and inform their families.
Meanwhile, rescue personnel remain at the scene as cooling operations continue. Authorities are expected to provide further updates once the investigation progresses and the identification process is completed.
The tragic incident has once again highlighted the serious risks associated with firecracker manufacturing units and underscores the importance of strict adherence to industrial safety standards to prevent such disasters in the future.