Ahmedabad firecracker factory blast kills 5, injures 9 in Vastral
Synopsis
An illegal firecracker factory in Ahmedabad's Vastral — operating despite a cancelled licence — exploded on Saturday, killing at least five and injuring nine. The blast was heard five kilometres away, and the operator has been identified by investigators. The death toll may still rise.
Key Takeaways
At least five people were killed and nine injured in a firecracker factory explosion in Ahmedabad's Vastral area on 18 July .
The blast on Ramol-Gatrad Road was heard up to five kilometres away and caused major structural damage.
The factory was allegedly operating illegally after its licence had previously been cancelled .
Investigators identified the operator as Mehul Dodiya ; a formal investigation is underway.
More than five fire engines were deployed; injured were taken to L.G.
Hospital and Ahmedabad Civil Hospital .
Authorities warned the death toll could rise as search operations continued into the evening.
At least five people were killed and nine others injured after a powerful explosion tore through an illegal firecracker manufacturing unit in Ahmedabad's Vastral area on Saturday, 18 July, triggering a major fire and a large-scale rescue operation, officials confirmed. The blast, which occurred on Ramol-Gatrad Road behind the Rapid Action Force (RAF) camp, was powerful enough to be heard up to five kilometres away.
The Explosion and Immediate Response
The force of the blast caused extensive structural damage to the factory building, with debris trapping several workers inside. Personnel from the adjacent RAF camp were among the first responders, rushing to the site and beginning rescue operations before fire brigade teams arrived. More than five fire engines were deployed to battle the blaze, which was subsequently brought under control, with cooling operations continuing through the evening to prevent fresh flare-ups.
The injured were transported to nearby medical facilities, including L.G. Hospital and Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, where several victims were admitted with burn injuries and trauma. Authorities warned that the death toll could rise as search operations extended into the evening, with the identities of several victims still being verified late on Saturday.
What Officials Said
Joint Commissioner of Police (Sector-2) Jaipal Singh Rathore confirmed at his briefing: 'Five people are dead. Eight to nine injured have all been rushed to hospital. The fire has been brought under control. It is not a big establishment.'
Senior civic and law enforcement officials visited the site to oversee relief efforts, including Ahmedabad Mayor Hitesh Barot, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation officers, Zone-8 Deputy Commissioner of Police Mayur Patil, and JCP Rathore.
Illegal Operation Under Scrutiny
Preliminary findings by police indicated the firecracker unit was operating without legal sanction. According to reports, investigators identified the operator as Mehul Dodiya and established that the factory's licence had previously been cancelled — yet manufacturing activities were allegedly continuing in violation of the order. Authorities have launched a parallel investigation into both the cause of the explosion and the alleged illegal operation of the unit.
Context and Broader Concern
Illegal firecracker factories have been a recurring safety hazard across India, with several fatal explosions reported in Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh in recent years. Such units typically operate in densely populated or peri-urban areas, compounding the risk to residents and first responders alike. This incident renews scrutiny of enforcement gaps that allow cancelled or unlicensed units to continue production. Notably, the proximity of this factory to an RAF camp raises additional questions about oversight in the area.
Investigation Ongoing
Police and civic authorities are continuing search operations at the site. As the investigation progresses, further details on the victims and the precise sequence of events leading to the blast are expected to emerge. Regulatory action against those responsible for the allegedly illegal operation is anticipated in the days ahead.
Point of View
Yet production reportedly continued uninterrupted. That points to an enforcement breakdown, not merely an industrial accident. Illegal firecracker units across India share a common profile: cancelled permits, cramped premises, and workers with no safety cover. The proximity to an RAF camp makes the oversight lapse harder to explain. Unless authorities move beyond an FIR and pursue accountability up the inspection chain, the pattern will repeat.
NationPress
18 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at the Ahmedabad firecracker factory on 18 July?
An explosion ripped through an illegal firecracker manufacturing unit in Ahmedabad's Vastral area on 18 July, killing at least five people and injuring nine others. The blast triggered a major fire and a large-scale rescue operation involving fire brigades and RAF personnel.
Where exactly did the Ahmedabad factory explosion occur?
The explosion occurred at a firecracker factory on Ramol-Gatrad Road in the Vastral area of Ahmedabad, located behind the Rapid Action Force (RAF) camp. The blast was powerful enough to be heard up to five kilometres away.
Was the firecracker factory operating legally?
No. Police preliminary findings indicate the unit was operating illegally. According to reports, the factory's licence had previously been cancelled, but manufacturing activities were allegedly continuing. The identified operator is Mehul Dodiya, and an investigation is underway.
Where were the injured taken for treatment?
The injured were shifted to L.G. Hospital and Ahmedabad Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad, where several were admitted with burn injuries and trauma. Nine people were injured in total, according to officials.
Could the death toll rise further?
Yes. Authorities stated at the time of their briefing that the death toll could rise, as search and rescue operations were continuing into the evening and the identities of several victims were still being verified.
