Ahmedabad Firecracker Blast: Gas Cylinders Found Near Explosives, Bulldozer Action Likely

The investigation into the deadly blast at an illegal firecracker factory in Ahmedabad's Ramol area has uncovered serious safety violations, with police revealing that gas cylinders and a workers' kitchen were located just a short distance from explosive materials. Authorities have also announced bulldozer action against illegal structures linked to the operation.

The explosion, which occurred on July 18, claimed nine lives and left five others seriously injured. Police have arrested three people, including the alleged main accused, Mehul Dodia, his mother Ramilaben Dodia and business associate Sadiq Syed.

Factory Allegedly Restarted Despite Expired Licence

Ahmedabad Police Commissioner Anupam Gehlot said the factory's licence had expired on March 4 and was not renewed. However, investigators alleged that operations resumed over the past 20 to 25 days while police personnel were heavily deployed for Rath Yatra security arrangements.

According to police, workers from Dahod were brought in to manufacture firecrackers inside a tin shed to fulfil orders ahead of the Ganesh Visarjan festival when the explosion occurred.

Emergency teams, including the police, Fire Brigade, Rapid Action Force (RAF) and 108 ambulance services, rushed to the scene. The injured were shifted to Civil Hospital and LG Hospital, while the bodies of the deceased were sent to their native places after post-mortem examinations.

Gas Cylinders Found Just Metres From Explosives

Police said the inspection of the site exposed major lapses in safety measures.

Investigators found that workers had been living and cooking in a room located only about 20 to 25 feet from the area where explosive chemicals were allegedly stored. Gas cylinders, a stove, cooking utensils and cots remained at the site after the blast, highlighting what officials described as extremely hazardous working conditions.

Police also said workers had not been provided with basic safety equipment such as gloves, while adequate fire-fighting arrangements were allegedly absent.

Bulldozer Drive Planned Against Illegal Units

Preliminary findings and forensic examination indicate that the factory allegedly stored explosive chemicals well beyond the permitted limit of 15 kg of potassium nitrate.

Police further stated that no insurance cover had been obtained for either the hazardous chemicals or the workers employed at the unit.

Following the incident, the administration has initiated a demolition drive using bulldozers against illegal structures operating in and around the Ramol area. Officials said action would cover 13 firecracker-related units in Ramol, of which 12 are already shut, along with around 40 to 45 suspected illegal structures in neighbouring rural areas.

Investigators are also questioning the original landowner and individuals suspected of financially supporting the illegal operation.

Earlier Blast Under Investigation History

Police said the premises had witnessed a similar explosion in 2014 when the factory was allegedly operated by Ramilaben Dodia, resulting in one death and cancellation of the licence.

A fresh licence was subsequently obtained in 2020 in the name of Mehul Dodia, but officials said it had not been renewed after expiry. Despite this, investigators allege manufacturing activities continued illegally.

A case has been registered under various provisions of the Explosive Substances Act and other relevant laws.

Nine Dead, Including Children

Officials said the victims included three children, four women and two men. Several injured persons continue to receive treatment at LG Hospital in Maninagar and Civil Hospital in Asarwa.

The fire has been extinguished and cooling operations have been completed, while multiple agencies continue to examine the cause of the explosion and possible lapses in regulatory oversight.