At least eight people were killed and nine others sustained serious injuries after a massive fire and explosion ripped through a firecracker manufacturing unit in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad on Saturday afternoon.

The incident occurred at around 3:30 pm at a firecracker factory located on Ramol-Gatrad Road in the city’s Mehmedpura area. According to officials, the blaze spread rapidly, reducing the factory building to ruins within minutes.

Soon after receiving information about the incident, teams from the Fire and Emergency Services and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) rushed to the spot and launched an extensive rescue operation. Rescue personnel recovered eight bodies from the debris and safely evacuated several workers who had been trapped inside the building.

Multiple fire tenders were deployed to douse the flames, and after several hours of firefighting, the blaze was brought under control. Cooling operations are currently underway to prevent any further flare-ups.

The injured workers were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals, where they are undergoing treatment. Their condition is reported to be critical.

According to preliminary reports, the fire was followed by a powerful explosion, reportedly triggered by explosives stored inside the factory, causing panic in the surrounding area. However, the exact cause of the fire and explosion is yet to be determined, and an investigation has been initiated.

PM Modi Announces Ex Gratia Relief

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives in the Ahmedabad firecracker factory tragedy and announced financial assistance for the victims’ families.

Under the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF), the next of kin of each deceased will receive ₹2 lakh as ex gratia assistance, while those injured in the incident will be provided ₹50,000 each.

Authorities are continuing rescue and investigation efforts as officials assess the extent of the damage and work to determine the cause of the deadly explosion.