Ahmedabad, July 18 (IANS) Forensic experts on Saturday began examining the site of the explosion at an allegedly illegal firecracker manufacturing unit in Ahmedabad’s Ramol area, as police said preliminary findings indicate the blast occurred while firecrackers were being made.
The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team visited the factory premises at Mehmudpura on Ramol-Gatrad Road to collect evidence and determine the exact cause of the explosion, which claimed nine lives and left several others injured.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 8) Mayur Patil told IANS that the initial investigation suggested the explosion took place 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 underway to establish the precise sequence of events.
The explosion occurred on Saturday afternoon at an open plot and a shed used for manufacturing and processing firecrackers, opposite the Talent School in Mehmudpura.
The powerful blast triggered a major fire, causing extensive damage to the structure and trapping several people under the debris.
Personnel from the nearby Rapid Action Force (RAF) camp rushed to the spot immediately after hearing the explosion and began rescuing those trapped before Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services teams arrived.
RAF Commander Ratul Das says, “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. Hospital authorities later confirmed that the death toll had risen to nine.
At L.G. Hospital, four victims were declared dead on arrival and four more succumbed to severe burn injuries during treatment. One injured woman remains admitted in a stable condition.
At Asarwa Civil Hospital, one person died while five others continue to receive treatment in the burns ward.
Senior civic and police officials, including Ahmedabad Mayor Hitesh Barot, Standing Committee Chairman Kamleshbhai Patel and other municipal officers, visited the site to oversee rescue and relief operations.
Authorities have directed officials to ensure all necessary medical assistance for the injured and conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
Police are also investigating the factory’s operations, with preliminary findings indicating that the firecracker manufacturing unit was operating illegally.
Investigators are examining whether safety norms were violated and whether manufacturing activities continued despite the unit’s licence having reportedly been cancelled.
The findings of the FSL examination are expected to play a key role in determining the exact cause of the explosion and fixing responsibility for the incident.
–IANS
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