Tragic Firecracker Factory Explosion in Ahmedabad Claims 10 Lives
Explosion at Illegal Firecracker Unit
File image of the accident site(Photo: IANS)
Ahmedabad, July 20: The number of fatalities from the explosion at an allegedly unauthorized firecracker manufacturing facility in the Ramol area of Ahmedabad has tragically increased to 10. This follows the death of a critically injured victim who passed away due to severe burn injuries at the Civil Hospital early Monday morning.
According to Dr. Rakesh Joshi, the Medical Superintendent at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, the deceased, identified as Govind Damor, succumbed to his injuries at 2:15 a.m. He had suffered burns covering over 95% of his body and hailed from the Dahod district, similar to many other victims.
Dr. Joshi reported that five new patients were admitted to the Civil Hospital following the catastrophic event at the Ramol firecracker factory. Among them were one woman and four men, with one man and one woman sustaining critical burn injuries. The man had burns over 95% of his body, while the woman had over 75% burns. Both are currently in critical condition and receiving intensive care in the ICU.
Dr. Joshi further explained that the other three patients are being treated in the Burns Ward. Two of them have significant burn injuries, with one suffering from 40% burns and the other from 20%. The hospital's Skin Bank has facilitated skin grafting for approximately 28% of the body of the patient with 40% burns and about 15% for the patient with 20% burns. The plastic surgery team is diligently working to ensure their recovery.
He also mentioned that the fifth patient admitted is in stable condition.
The explosion occurred on Saturday afternoon at the 'New Gujarat Fire Works' facility located on Ramol-Gatrad Road, where it is alleged that the firecracker manufacturing unit was operating illegally despite its license having expired.
The blast resulted in a significant fire that destroyed the facility and trapped workers inside. Rescue operations were conducted by personnel from the nearby Rapid Action Force (RAF) camp, firefighters, and police, who managed to control the blaze.
Authorities have filed charges against factory operator Ramila Dodia, her son Mehul Dodia, and their alleged associate Sadiq Saiyed under various laws, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Explosive Substances Act. All three individuals have been arrested, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
In addition, authorities are looking into potential safety regulation violations, the source of the explosives, and the operation of other illegal firecracker manufacturing units in and around Ahmedabad as part of a broader crackdown initiated after this tragedy.