A devastating explosion at a firecracker factory near Deesa town in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district claimed the lives of at least 13 people on Tuesday morning. The blast, which occurred around 9:45 am, was so powerful that it caused the entire reinforced concrete slab of the factory to collapse, trapping several workers and their family members under the rubble. According to Collector Mihir Patel, four injured individuals have been rescued and are in stable condition. Officials stated that the explosion led to a massive fire, making rescue operations challenging. Firefighters from Deesa municipality, along with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), were deployed to control the blaze and search for survivors.

Authorities believe the blast occurred while firecrackers were being manufactured, though an official investigation is still underway to determine the exact cause. Many of the workers at the factory lived on the premises with their families, increasing the casualty count. Neha Panchal, sub-divisional magistrate of Deesa, confirmed that emergency teams were working tirelessly to clear debris and locate any remaining trapped individuals. The scale of destruction suggests that the explosion was triggered by a significant quantity of explosive materials stored on-site, raising concerns over the safety regulations followed by firecracker manufacturers in the region.

This tragic incident highlights the recurring safety hazards in India’s firecracker industry, where poor enforcement of safety norms has led to several fatal accidents over the years. Local authorities have now launched an inquiry into the factory’s licensing and compliance with fire safety measures. With multiple lives lost and a grim scene of devastation left behind, the Gujarat government is expected to take stricter action against unregulated firecracker units. Meanwhile, grieving families await answers as rescue teams continue their operations at the disaster site.