A powerful explosion at an illegal firecracker factory in Deesa, Gujarat, left 21 people dead and several others injured on Tuesday, officials confirmed. The blast was so intense that it sent debris, metal fragments, and body parts flying hundreds of meters away.
“There was a huge blast in the factory causing the concrete roof to collapse,” government spokesperson Rishikesh Patel stated, confirming multiple fatalities and injuries.
Local police officer C.L. Solanki reported that the death toll had risen to 21 as rescue efforts continued.
Top district official Mihir Patel described the devastation, noting, “The explosion was so powerful that body parts of some victims were found scattered in a farm 200-300 meters away.”
Authorities revealed that the factory, which housed families of the workers, was operating without a legal license. A full investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the explosion and hold those responsible accountable.
Firecracker Industry Safety Concerns
Fireworks are widely used in India, especially during the Diwali festival and wedding celebrations. However, safety violations in the industry frequently lead to tragic accidents.
Last year, an explosion at a firecracker unit in Madhya Pradesh killed 11 people. In 2019, similar incidents in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh claimed 18 and 10 lives, respectively.
Authorities have urged stricter regulations to prevent such disasters, emphasizing the need for licensed and safer manufacturing practices in the firecracker industry.
