At least 18 people were killed and five others injured in a suspected boiler explosion and subsequent collapse at a firecracker factory and warehouse in Deesa, Banaskantha district, Gujarat, India, on Tuesday. The explosion caused a fire that led to the roof collapsing, trapping workers. The injured individuals are receiving medical treatment at government hospitals in Deesa and Palanpur.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has pledged financial aid, offering INR 4 lakh to the families of the deceased and INR 50,000 for those injured.
Read more: Five Dead and Four Injured in Mine Explosion in Spain’s Asturias Region
Investigations revealed that the factory, owned by Deepak Traders in Deesa GIDC, was operating without proper approval from the Banaskantha Police and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO). Despite lacking approval, the factory continued operations, as authorities had denied a license renewal due to significant fire safety concerns.
The factory primarily functioned as a storage facility for firecrackers, supplying products to five retail outlets. Although a license renewal was recently applied for, it had not been granted, and the facility lacked permission from the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM).
Most of the victims were workers from Madhya Pradesh. The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Mohan Yadav, expressed condolences and assured support for the victims’ families, stressing close coordination with Gujarat authorities.
In response to the tragedy, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also offered condolences and stated that he is in constant contact with officials overseeing rescue and relief efforts.
Law enforcement has launched an extensive investigation, with five police teams formed to track down those responsible. Teams have been sent to Rajasthan, Ahmedabad, and Sabarkantha to assist in the investigation.
Rescue operations, lasting over seven hours, involved firefighting teams from Deesa, Palanpur, and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL). The Regional Fire Officer of Gandhinagar, Dixit Patel, is assessing the situation and may request additional resources if needed, though no official statement has been issued yet.
