A blast and fire at an illegal firecracker factory in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, results in multiple deaths and injuries, according to police and media reports. The incident occurs on Saturday at a factory in the city’s Vastral/Gatrad area, where a company identified in one report as Talent Fireworks is operating despite a licence being cancelled. The blast triggers a major fire that engulfs the premises.
Reports differ slightly on casualty counts. One outlet states eight people are killed and nine injured. Another reports eight dead with additional injuries, while a separate report cites four deaths after a blast and subsequent fire. Injured workers are taken to hospitals in Ahmedabad, including Civil Hospital and LG Hospital in Maninagar.
Rescue operations begin quickly, with RAF personnel entering the burning site to pull out trapped and injured workers from debris before other emergency services reach the location.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expresses grief and, through the PMO, announces ex-gratia compensation: Rs. 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased person and Rs. 50,000 for injured people, with local administration providing assistance.
