Gujarat firecracker factory blast kills 9 in Ahmedabad's Ramol area
Synopsis
Nine people are dead after a firecracker factory explosion tore through an allegedly illegal manufacturing unit in Ahmedabad's Ramol area on 18 July. Police say the blast occurred mid-production; forensic teams are now on site to fix responsibility — and investigators are probing whether the unit was operating after its licence was cancelled.
Key Takeaways
A firecracker factory explosion in Ahmedabad's Ramol area on 18 July killed nine people and injured several others.
The blast occurred at an open plot and shed in Mehmudpura on Ramol-Gatrad Road , reportedly at an illegal manufacturing unit.
DCP Mayur Patil said preliminary findings indicate the explosion took place during the firecracker manufacturing process .
Four victims died at L.G.
Hospital — four on arrival, four during treatment; one death was recorded at Asarwa Civil Hospital .
The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) is examining the site; investigators are probing whether the unit's licence had been cancelled prior to the blast.
RAF personnel were first on scene within minutes; firefighters and ambulances arrived within five minutes of being alerted.
A powerful explosion at an allegedly illegal firecracker manufacturing unit in Ahmedabad's Ramol area claimed nine lives and left several others injured on Saturday, 18 July, as forensic teams moved in to determine the precise cause of the blast. Police said preliminary findings point to the explosion having occurred while firecrackers were actively being manufactured at the site.
What Happened at Mehmudpura
The blast struck an open plot and a shed used for firecracker manufacturing and processing at Mehmudpura on Ramol-Gatrad Road, opposite the Talent School, on Saturday afternoon. The force of the explosion triggered a major fire, causing extensive structural damage and trapping several workers under the debris.
Personnel from the nearby Rapid Action Force (RAF) camp were among the first to respond. RAF Commander Ratul Das said, 'At around 3:24 p.m., we heard an explosion from our camp. Immediately, our Quick Reaction Team (QRT) responded and tried to locate the source of the blast. They found that the explosion had occurred about one kilometre away and also noticed smoke rising from the area. The QRT immediately informed the fire brigade and ambulance services, which arrived at the scene within five minutes. Our alert company was also informed and arrived at the scene by around 4:45 p.m.'
Firefighters deployed multiple vehicles — including water bowsers, rapid intervention vehicles, and an ambulance — before bringing the blaze under control. Cooling operations continued through the evening.
Death Toll and Casualties
Hospital authorities confirmed the death toll had risen to nine by Saturday evening. At L.G. Hospital, four victims were declared dead on arrival and four more succumbed to severe burn injuries during treatment; one injured woman remained admitted in a stable condition. At Asarwa Civil Hospital, one person died while five others continued to receive treatment in the burns ward.
Forensic Investigation Under Way
The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team visited the factory premises to collect evidence and establish the exact sequence of events. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 8) Mayur Patil said preliminary findings indicated the blast occurred during the manufacturing process. 'Preliminary findings indicate that the blast occurred while they were making firecrackers,' Patil said, adding that a detailed forensic examination was under way.
Investigators are examining whether safety norms were violated and whether manufacturing activities continued despite the unit's licence having reportedly been cancelled. The FSL findings are expected to be central to fixing responsibility for the incident.
Official Response
Senior civic and police officials, including Ahmedabad Mayor Hitesh Barot and Standing Committee Chairman Kamleshbhai Patel, visited the site to oversee rescue and relief operations. Authorities directed officials to ensure all necessary medical assistance for the injured and to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
This comes amid recurring concerns over unlicensed firecracker units operating in residential and semi-urban pockets across Gujarat, where enforcement gaps have previously been flagged. The outcome of the FSL examination is expected to determine the legal course of action against those responsible.
Point of View
But how a unit whose licence was reportedly cancelled continued to operate. Gujarat has seen repeated incidents at illegal pyrotechnic units, and each time the response cycle — rescue, forensics, FIR — runs its course without structural enforcement reform. Until licensing authorities are held accountable for post-cancellation monitoring, the next blast is a matter of when, not if.
NationPress
18 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Ahmedabad firecracker factory blast on 18 July?
Preliminary police findings indicate the explosion occurred while firecrackers were being manufactured at the unit. The Forensic Science Laboratory is conducting a detailed examination to establish the precise cause and sequence of events.
How many people died in the Ramol firecracker factory explosion?
Nine people died — four were declared dead on arrival at L.G. Hospital, four more succumbed to burn injuries during treatment there, and one person died at Asarwa Civil Hospital. Five others remain under treatment in the burns ward.
Was the Ahmedabad firecracker unit operating legally?
Police have said preliminary findings indicate the unit was operating illegally. Investigators are examining whether the factory continued manufacturing despite its licence having reportedly been cancelled.
Who responded first to the Ahmedabad blast?
Personnel from the nearby Rapid Action Force (RAF) camp were first on scene after hearing the explosion at around 3:24 p.m. The fire brigade and ambulance services arrived within five minutes of being alerted by the RAF's Quick Reaction Team.
What happens next in the investigation?
The Forensic Science Laboratory's findings are expected to play a central role in determining the exact cause and fixing legal responsibility. Police are also investigating whether safety norms were violated and whether the unit was operating without a valid licence.
