Ahmedabad firecracker factory blast death toll climbs to 10 as another victim succumbs
AHMEDABAD: The death toll from the July 18 explosion at an illegal fireworks factory in Ahmedabad’s Ramol area has risen to 10 after a 48-year-old man died from severe burn injuries early Monday, hospital officials said.
Govind Damor, who had over 95 per cent burns on his body, died at 2:15 am while undergoing treatment at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. He had been in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit since being admitted Saturday afternoon, according to Dr Rakesh Joshi, Medical Superintendent of the hospital.
Damor was among five people – four men and one woman – who were still hospitalized following the blast. The explosion occurred at an illegal firecracker manufacturing unit operating in a residential area.
Police have arrested the three owners of the factory and booked them under charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder at the Ramol Police Station. Authorities are investigating how the factory was operating without proper licences and safety measures.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about unregulated hazardous industries operating in densely populated neighbourhoods across the city. Firecracker manufacturing involves volatile chemicals, and such illegal units often lack basic safety equipment or emergency protocols.
Local residents have demanded stricter enforcement of industrial safety regulations and better oversight of businesses that pose risks to surrounding communities.
