At least eight individuals have died and several others sustained injuries following a significant blast and subsequent fire at an illegal firecracker manufacturing unit in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, prompted immediate rescue and relief operations in the Ramtol and Mahmudpura areas of the city.

Authorities confirmed that the unit was operating without the necessary legal permits. Joint Commissioner of Police Jaipal Singh Rathore stated that the factory, established on an open farm, lacked a valid licence, raising questions about safety protocols and oversight in its operation.

Initial reports indicated varying casualty figures, with some sources reporting four or five fatalities, while others confirmed at least eight deaths. The number of injured individuals also varied across reports, ranging from five to ten. All injured persons were promptly transported to L.G. Hospital for urgent medical attention.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragedy. The Prime Minister also announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹2 lakh (approximately £2,000 or $2,400 USD) for the next of kin of each accident victim, aiming to provide some financial relief during this difficult time.

Rescue efforts are continuing at the site, with officials expressing concerns that the death toll could potentially rise as operations progress through the debris. The investigation into the exact cause of the blast and fire is underway, alongside inquiries into the circumstances that allowed an unlicensed facility to operate.