Ahmedabad: At least eight workers were killed in and some others injured at a firecracker factory in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on Saturday.
The unit was allegedly operating despite its licence being cancelled, India Today reported.
Five fire engines, ambulances and senior officials were rushed to the scene on the Ramol–Gatrad Road, officials said. About 8-10 people were working at the factory when the incident took place, locals told the police.
The chief fire officer and other officials were overseeing the rescue operations. Firefighters were using water jets to bring the blaze under control, officials said. Efforts are being made to prevent the blaze fron spreading.
Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel from a camp in Vastral rushed to the spot after hearing a loud explosion from the fireworks factory. The factory is located just behind the camp, officials said. The RAF personnel rescued those who had been trapped or injured and brought them out to safety, before the fire brigade arrived.
Jaipalsinh Rathod, JCP, Sector 2, alleged that the fireworks factory was being run by Mehul Dodiya from a shed built in an open field behind the RAF camp on the Ramol–Gatrad Road. The factory’s licence had been cancelled, but operations continued.
(This is a developing story and will be updated)