Ahmedabad: 8 dead, several injured in massive explosion & fire at illegal firecracker factory

A massive explosion and fire reportedly killed eight people at an illegal firecracker manufacturing unit in Ahmedabad’s Vastral area. The blast occurred on Ramol-Gatrad Road, behind the Rapid Action Force camp. Rescue and relief operations were launched by firefighters, police and RAF personnel. Several people were injured and shifted to hospitals for treatment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ₹2 lakh ex gratia from the PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased person and ₹50,000 for the injured. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also announced ₹4 lakh for the families of each deceased person.