Eight Killed in Ahmedabad Fireworks Factory Fire, PM Announces ₹2 Lakh Ex-Gratia for Kin of Deceased

A massive fire broke out at a firecracker manufacturing and processing unit comprising open plots and sheds near Mehmudpura village on the Ramol-Gatrad road on Saturday afternoon, killing eight people and injuring at least 10 others.

According to officials, personnel from the Rapid Action Force (RAF) reached the spot before fire brigade teams and recovered eight unidentified bodies from the site. Firefighters later brought the blaze under control and cooling operations are currently underway.

Of the five injured persons shifted to LG Hospital, one victim has suffered 90 per cent burn injuries, hospital sources said.

Fire Fighting Efforts

Several fire brigade vehicles, including a mini fighter, two 20,000-litre water bowsers, two Rapid Intervention Vehicles (RIVs) and an ambulance, were rushed to the spot.

Senior officials, including the Chief Fire Officer and Additional Chief Fire Officers, are present at the incident site and supervising rescue and firefighting operations.

The firefighting team deployed at the scene includes one Chief Fire Officer, two Additional Chief Fire Officers, one Deputy Chief Fire Officer, one Divisional Fire Officer, one Station Fire Officer and one Sub Officer.

Authorities have launched an investigation to ascertain the cause of the blaze. The identities of the deceased are yet to be established.

Casualties

• Death toll: 8
• Injured: 10
• One victim admitted to LG Hospital with 90% burns

PM Modi announces ₹2 lakh ex gratia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives in the fire at the fireworks factory in Ahmedabad and announced financial assistance for the victims’ families through a post on X.

“Extremely saddened to hear about the loss of lives due to a mishap at a fireworks factory in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. The local administration is providing all possible assistance to those affected,” the Prime Minister wrote.

He further announced, “An ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given ₹50,000.”

The fire at the firecracker manufacturing and processing unit near Ahmedabad has so far claimed eight lives, while at least 10 people have been injured. Of the five victims admitted to LG Hospital, one has suffered 90 per cent burn injuries.