Ahmedabad/New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced ex gratia assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) after at least five people were killed and several others were injured in an explosion and fire at an illegal firecracker factory in Ahmedabad’s Vastral area.
In a message posted by the Prime Minister’s Office, the PM expressed grief over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
“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 said.
He also announced financial assistance, stating that “An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000.”
The explosion occurred at a firecracker manufacturing unit on Ramol-Gatrad Road behind the Rapid Action Force camp (RAF) in Vastral on Saturday afternoon.
The blast caused extensive damage to the premises and was heard several kilometres away, prompting an immediate response from RAF personnel, firefighters and police. Rescue teams evacuated the injured and searched through the debris for those trapped inside.
Fire brigade teams brought the blaze under control after deploying multiple fire engines, while cooling operations continued at the site.
The injured were admitted to L.G. Hospital and Ahmedabad Civil Hospital for treatment. Senior officials from the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and the city police monitored the rescue and relief operations throughout the day.
Police said preliminary investigations suggested that the factory was operating illegally.
According to reports, investigators identified the operator as Mehul Dodiya and alleged that manufacturing activities were continuing despite the cancellation of the unit’s licence.
Authorities have initiated an investigation into the cause of the explosion and the circumstances surrounding the operation of the factory.
(IANS)
