Explosion at Firecracker Factory in Gujarat Claims 18 Lives, Rahul Gandhi Demands Detailed Investigation

Deesa (Gujarat), April 1 (NationPress) At least 18 workers lost their lives due to a catastrophic explosion at a firecracker factory situated on Dhunwa Road in Deesa, part of Gujarat’s Banaskantha district. The death toll could potentially rise as rescue efforts are still ongoing.

The explosion ignited a fierce fire, resulting in chaos as emergency personnel battled to extinguish the flames and rescue survivors trapped beneath the debris.

In response to this calamity, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called for rigorous enforcement of safety standards in firecracker manufacturing facilities. He extended his condolences to the grieving families through a social media post, insisting on a comprehensive investigation to bring those accountable to justice.

“Such incidents are alarmingly common in these factories, resulting in the loss of lives of vulnerable workers trying to earn a living. It is imperative that safety regulations are strictly adhered to, and clear accountability is established to avert similar tragedies,” he stated on X.

Earlier, Gujarat's Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed his profound sorrow regarding the incident and assured complete support to the victims' families. He labeled the event as “heart-wrenching,” noting that the explosion caused the building’s slab to collapse, claiming the lives of many workers.

In a statement, CM Patel mentioned, “The incident involving workers' deaths due to an explosion and fire at a firecracker godown in Deesa is deeply tragic. My sincere condolences are with the bereaved families during this challenging time. I am in constant communication with the administration to oversee rescue, relief, and medical assistance efforts. Instructions have been provided to ensure that the injured receive swift and appropriate medical attention.”

The Chief Minister also declared compensation for the families of the victims, stating that the Gujarat government would allocate Rs 4 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to those injured.

Witnesses recounted hearing several explosions, followed by the abrupt collapse of the factory’s roof. The fire consumed the building within minutes, leaving little opportunity for workers to flee. “We heard a loud bang, and in mere moments, the entire factory was engulfed in flames. People were fleeing for their lives, but some became trapped under the wreckage,” recounted a local resident near the explosion site.

Firefighters and emergency responders, including teams from Deesa Municipality and 108 emergency services, rushed to the scene. However, the intense flames complicated rescue operations. Officials are still working to determine the total number of casualties. The explosion occurred at Deepak Traders, a firecracker manufacturing unit owned by Khubchand Sindhi. Authorities suspect that an uncontrolled blast in the highly flammable raw materials used in fireworks triggered the deadly fire.

Investigators are now examining whether the factory had the necessary permits for handling explosive materials. Deesa Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Neha Panchal confirmed that several injured workers were transported to the Civil Hospital, with three suffering severe burns covering over 40% of their bodies. “Preliminary reports suggest that a significant explosion caused the immediate collapse of the structure, burying several workers beneath the debris. Rescue operations are ongoing, and authorities are closely observing the situation,” stated Panchal.

Authorities have raised concerns regarding the factory's compliance with safety protocols. Gujarat has experienced numerous firecracker-related incidents in recent years, often due to insufficient regulations and safety breaches in factories.

Officials are now scrutinizing the safety measures at Deepak Traders and similar establishments to prevent future calamities.

Meanwhile, forensic experts have arrived at the scene to investigate the cause of the explosion while the police have cordoned off the area to avert further incidents. The precise number of workers present during the explosion remains uncertain, and rescue efforts are still ongoing.

Local authorities, including the Deputy Section Officer (DYSO) and Chief Officer, are actively supervising relief operations at the site. As the rescue teams continue their mission to retrieve those trapped, the state government has promised all necessary support to the affected workers and their families.