Explosion at Illegal Fireworks Factory Kills Nine in Ahmedabad
Published on 07/19/2026 at 16:27 | Redaktion boerse-global.de
Three people have been arrested after a devastating explosion at an unauthorised firecracker manufacturing unit in Ahmedabad killed nine people and injured at least six others. The blast has raised urgent questions about the enforcement of safety regulations at illegal industrial sites operating across the city.
Police arrested factory owner Mehul Dodia, his mother Ramila Dodia, and business partner Sadiq Saiyed on Sunday. All three are accused of running the facility in the Ramol area without a valid licence — a breach that proved fatal when the explosion tore through the tin-shed structure on Saturday afternoon.
The Ramol tragedy underscores what happens when basic fire protections are missing. Many workplaces unknowingly operate without adequate fire safety measures, exposing employees and the public to catastrophic risk. A comprehensive fire safety toolkit can help businesses document risk assessments, evacuation plans, and training records to meet legal duties. Download the free Fire Safety Toolkit
History of Safety Breaches
The blast occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m. on July 18, 2026, at a site known as New Gujarat Fire Works in Mahamadpura, Ramol. According to police reports, the unit's licence had expired on March 4, 2026. Although the owners applied for a renewal, the application was rejected following an adverse report from local police.
Despite the refusal, the unit restarted operations around 20 days ago to fulfil orders for the upcoming Ganesh festival. Investigators found that the facility was storing more than 15 kilograms of explosives — well above legal limits — and lacked mandatory fire safety equipment.
This is not the first fatal incident linked to the location or its owners. A similar explosion at the same site in 2014 killed a 14-year-old. Following that tragedy, Ramila Dodia's manufacturing licence was revoked. A fresh licence was later issued in Mehul Dodia's name in 2020, which remained valid until earlier this year.
Victims and Compensation
The explosion claimed nine lives, including three children. Five of the deceased were members of a single family. Victims included labourers from Dahod and local residents. Those injured are receiving treatment at a nearby civil hospital.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh for the families of each deceased victim and Rs 50,000 for those injured. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also confirmed state compensation of Rs 4 lakh per deceased and Rs 50,000 for each injured person.
The Ahmedabad explosion is a stark reminder that proper risk assessment is the foundation of workplace safety. Without it, hazards go unchecked and lives are lost. A free toolkit with 41 ready-to-use checklists and templates can help you identify and document risks systematically. Download the free Risk Assessment Toolkit
Crackdown on Illegal Units
The City Crime Branch has registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the three partners under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 105 for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, as well as sections 287, 288, and 61(2). Additional charges have been filed under the Explosive Substances Act and the Explosives Act.
Following the incident, police launched city-wide inspections to identify other hazardous illegal operations. Authorities have already sealed at least four unauthorised facilities in the Vastral, Ramol, Gyaspur, and Narol areas. The investigation is now widening to include the landowner of the Ramol site and the financial backers of the illegal operation.
Disclaimer regarding our articles: No investment advice, no buy or sell recommendation. Information on prices, companies, and markets is provided without guarantee; changes are possible at any time. Stock market transactions can lead to substantial losses. Our articles are created and reviewed in whole or in part automatically with the support of AI.
