17 Dead in Massive Fire After Explosion at Gujarat Firecracker Factory
A devastating explosion followed by a massive fire at a firecracker factory in Gujarat’s Deesa claimed 17 lives on Tuesday, leaving authorities scrambling to manage the aftermath. The incident at Deepak Traders in Banaskantha district triggered widespread chaos as the building’s structure collapsed, complicating rescue efforts.
The fire broke out early Tuesday morning at the Deepak Traders facility, a firecracker manufacturing unit and warehouse. District Collector Mihir Patel confirmed that the explosion caused the factory’s slab to collapse, trapping workers inside and hampering initial rescue operations.
Firefighters from Deesa Municipality, supported by 108 ambulance teams, rushed to the scene to combat the intense blaze and assist survivors.
Patel initially reported six fatalities, but as firefighters gained control over the flames and began searching through the debris, the death toll rose to 17. “The blaze was so intense that parts of the building gave way,” an official said, noting the scale of destruction.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) joined the operation, aiding in the removal of rubble and ensuring no one remained trapped.
Preliminary investigations point to a boiler explosion as the likely trigger of the fire. Authorities stated that the blast’s force not only ignited the blaze but also led to the structural collapse, exacerbating the tragedy.
The exact circumstances leading to the explosion are still under review, with officials expected to conduct a detailed probe.
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By late Tuesday, the fire was fully extinguished, and cooling operations were in progress to prevent any re-ignition. Crews continued clearing debris to ensure the site was safe and to confirm the final casualty count.
“The situation is now under control, but the focus remains on recovery and investigation,” a senior official told PTI.
District Collector Mihir Patel, overseeing the response, said, “We are working tirelessly to manage the aftermath. The priority was to douse the fire and rescue those trapped, and now we are assessing the full extent of the damage.”
The Gujarat government has yet to announce compensation or further measures, but officials hinted at swift action following the incident.
As rescue operations conclude, attention will shift to the investigation into the boiler explosion and safety protocols at the factory. The rising death toll has raised concerns about workplace safety in firecracker units, potentially prompting stricter regulations.
