Ramol Fire Tragedy: 9 Dead, Including 3 Children, Illegal Firecracker Unit Under Scanner

A devastating fire and explosion at an alleged illegal firecracker manufacturing unit in Ramol claimed nine lives, including three children, on Saturday afternoon. Five others are undergoing treatment, with two reported to be in critical condition.

What Happened?

The blast occurred at a shed and open plot used for firecracker manufacturing near Mehmudpura on the Ramol-Gatrad Road, opposite Talent School.

Fire officials received the emergency call at around 3.30 pm. A nearby Rapid Action Force (RAF) unit rushed to the spot within minutes after personnel heard the explosion and began rescuing victims before fire tenders arrived.

Death Toll & Injuries

Hospital authorities confirmed the victims include:

• 3 children
• 4 women
• 2 men

LG Hospital received nine victims, where eight were declared dead. One injured woman is still undergoing treatment.

Civil Hospital admitted six victims. One woman later died, while five others remain hospitalised. Doctors said two are in critical condition, one is stable but serious, and two are out of danger.

Massive Rescue Operation

Several firefighting vehicles, ambulances and senior fire officials were deployed to control the blaze.

The fire has now been extinguished, while cooling operations continue to prevent any fresh flare-ups.

Illegal Factory Under Scanner

Preliminary investigations indicate the unit belonged to Mehul Dodiya.

Police sources said permission for operating the firecracker factory had reportedly not been granted, yet the unit was allegedly functioning illegally.

Three Detained

Ramol Police and the Crime Branch have detained three people, including factory owner Mehul Dodiya, as the investigation gathers pace.

Authorities are probing the exact cause of the explosion and whether major safety and licensing violations led to the tragedy.

AMC Commissioner: Factory Permissions Under Verification

Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani said the fire broke out at a firecracker factory operating near the canal, and a detailed investigation is underway.

He said multiple government departments have begun parallel inquiries.

Pani added that authorities are verifying whether the factory owner had obtained the necessary permissions to operate the unit. He also said inspections are being carried out at other similar factories across the city to check for compliance with safety norms and licensing requirements.

Officials Visit Spot

Ahmedabad Mayor Hitesh Barot, the Municipal Commissioner, senior civic officials and top police officers visited the site to review rescue operations and ensure proper treatment for the injured.

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.”

Gujarat government announces ₹4 lakh aid for families of deceased

The state government will provide financial assistance of ₹4 lakh to the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 to those injured.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed grief over the fire accident at the fireworks factory in Ahmedabad in a post on X and announced financial assistance for the victims.

“The news of the accident at a fireworks factory in Ahmedabad is extremely saddening. I pray that God grants peace to the souls of those who lost their lives in this tragedy. I express my deepest condolences to their family members.

The local administration is providing all necessary assistance and medical treatment to those affected. I pray for the speedy recovery of the citizens injured in the accident.

The state government will provide financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh to the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 to those injured,” the Chief Minister wrote on X.