Tragic Explosion at Illegal Firecracker Factory in Ahmedabad Claims Nine Lives

Gandhinagar, India Jul 18, 2026 ALN: A powerful explosion ripped through an illegal firecracker factory operating from a shed on an open plot along Ramol-Gatrad Road in Ahmedabad's Vastral area on Saturday afternoon, killing nine people, including three children, and injuring at least 15 others.

The injured were taken to Civil Hospital and other medical facilities, where several remain under treatment. The impact of the blast was felt up to five kilometres away. The explosion tore bodies apart, damaged doors and ceiling fans in a building about 300 metres from the site, and scorched standing crops in adjoining fields. Thick smoke engulfed the area, triggering panic among nearby residents.

Rescue teams from the Fire Department, Rapid Action Force (RAF), local police, and the 108 ambulance service launched an operation to recover bodies from the debris and evacuate the injured from the burning structure. The response was swift, with personnel arriving at the scene within minutes of the explosion, indicating the seriousness of the situation.

Owner detained; factory allegedly continued operating despite cancelled licence

Police identified the factory owner as Mehul Dodiya, who has been detained for questioning. His mother was also injured in the explosion and is undergoing treatment. A preliminary investigation found that Dodiya's licence to manufacture firecrackers had been cancelled, but the factory allegedly continued to operate from a makeshift shed behind the RAF camp on Ramol-Gatrad Road.

Investigators said the unit had been operating for some time despite the cancellation of its licence, raising questions over regulatory enforcement and police oversight. The persistence of illegal operations in such a hazardous industry is indicative of broader systemic issues within local governance and regulatory frameworks.

Crime Branch Joint Commissioner of Police Sharad Singhal stated that the process of registering an FIR had begun and strict criminal action would follow. "The FIR is being registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 105, along with the Explosives Act. Everyone involved — the factory operator, property owner, partners and any other persons connected with the illegal operation — will be arrested and prosecuted. At first glance, the factory appears to have been operating without a valid licence," Singhal said.

Sector-2 Joint Commissioner of Police Jaipal Singh Rathod confirmed that the illegal factory was operating from a shed in an open field behind the RAF camp. "The licence issued to the operator had already been cancelled. Despite this, the firecracker unit continued functioning illegally. Eight bodies were initially recovered from the spot, while police, RAF personnel, and fire brigade teams immediately launched rescue operations. Ramol Police will register offences under the Explosives Act and other applicable legal provisions," Rathod said.

PM Modi, Gujarat CM announce ex gratia

In the wake of this tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief and announced ex gratia assistance from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund. The families of those killed will receive Rs 2 lakh each, while the injured will receive Rs 50,000 each. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also announced Rs 4 lakh for the families of each deceased victim and Rs 50,000 for each injured person from the Gujarat government.

Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi assured the public that those responsible for operating the illegal factory had been detained and promised strict action following a detailed investigation. "A detailed investigation is underway. We have spoken to the Ahmedabad Zone-2 Joint Commissioner of Police. Those operating the illegal firecracker factory have been detained, and further investigation is progressing rapidly," Sanghvi said.

Eyewitnesses recount rescue efforts

RAF officer Ratul Kumar reported that personnel reached the site within minutes of the explosion. "Our camp is nearly one kilometre away. We heard a massive explosion in the afternoon and immediately activated our Quick Reaction Team. Within five minutes, our personnel and ambulance reached the spot," he said. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with many people trapped inside the burning structure.

Civil Defence Warden Pushkarbhai Kalal described the aftermath of the blast. "The blast occurred around 3.07 pm. Thick smoke had engulfed the entire area. We initially stayed back because the fire was extremely intense," Kalal said. "As the flames reduced, we entered the structure and found two small children dead while a young girl was still alive. Along with RAF personnel, we shifted her to the ambulance. At that time, around 12 to 13 people were critically injured and at least three had already died," he added.

Witnesses also reported hearing cries of "Save us, save us" from inside the burning factory moments after the explosion. This harrowing account highlights the urgency and desperation of those trapped in the aftermath of the explosion.

The incident has renewed scrutiny of enforcement against illegal firecracker manufacturing units. Investigators are examining how the factory continued operating despite the cancellation of its licence and whether there were lapses in monitoring by the authorities. The blast comes weeks after an explosion at an illegal firecracker factory in Kapadvanj in Kheda district and follows last year's Deesa factory explosion, which killed 22 workers, raising fresh questions over enforcement of safety regulations.

This tragic event underscores the dangers associated with unregulated industries, particularly those dealing with explosives. The loss of life and the injuries sustained by many serve as a grim reminder of the need for stringent enforcement of safety regulations in hazardous industries. The local government is likely to face pressure to improve oversight and ensure that such illegal operations are shut down effectively to prevent future tragedies.

In conclusion, the explosion at the illegal firecracker factory in Ahmedabad has not only claimed lives but has also sparked a broader conversation about the enforcement of safety regulations and the responsibilities of local authorities in preventing such incidents. The community's call for justice and accountability will likely resonate in the coming weeks as investigations proceed and families seek answers and support in the wake of this devastating incident.