On Saturday, July 18th, a fireworks factory in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, called “Talent Fireworks” experienced a tragic explosion, resulting in the death of at least 8 people and leaving 9 others critically injured. Authorities revealed that the factory continued operations even after its license had been revoked.
According to reports from Indian media outlets NDTV and National Herald, the factory, located in the Vastral area of Ahmedabad, erupted into flames following the explosion, sending thick smoke billowing into the air and causing panic in the surrounding areas.
Jaipal Singh Rathod, the Deputy Police Commissioner of the Second Police District, confirmed the death toll and announced that 8 bodies have been recovered from the scene of the explosion.
The injured individuals have been promptly transported to hospitals in Maninagar for urgent medical treatment. Fire department officials informed NDTV that they received the distress call about the factory explosion at 3:30 pm on Saturday. Firefighters and rapid response teams were quick to arrive at the scene and initiate rescue operations. While extinguishing the massive fire, they also conducted searches for any survivors trapped in the collapsed structures.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the incident and extended wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured. He assured that the local government is providing all possible assistance to the affected populace. The Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) will release a compensation of rupees 200,000 to the families of each deceased victim and rupees 50,000 to the injured.
In India, fireworks factories and sales points often lack adequate safety measures, leading to frequent incidents of explosions.