The death toll in the explosion and fire at an allegedly illegal firecracker manufacturing unit in Ahmedabad's Ramol area rose to nine on Saturday, with hospital authorities confirming that several victims succumbed to severe burn injuries after being admitted for treatment.
According to the latest official updates, nine people were taken to L.G. Hospital following the incident. Four victims, one man and three women, were declared dead before arrival.
Of the remaining five who were admitted with extensive burn injuries, four later died during treatment.
Hospital authorities said all four had sustained around 95 per cent burns. They included one man and three children. One woman continues to receive treatment at L.G. Hospital, and her condition is reported to be stable.
At Asarwa Civil Hospital, six people were brought in after the explosion. One person died, taking the overall death toll to nine, while the remaining five patients are undergoing treatment in the Burns Ward on the third floor of the Trauma Centre.
The explosion occurred on Saturday afternoon at an open plot and a shed used for manufacturing and processing firecrackers in Mehmudpura, on Ramol-Gatrad Road, opposite Talent School.
The premises, which police are investigating as an allegedly illegal firecracker manufacturing unit, caught fire following a powerful explosion that caused extensive damage and trapped several people under the debris.
Personnel from the nearby Rapid Action Force (RAF) camp were among the first responders, reaching the site immediately after the blast and assisting in rescuing those trapped before fire brigade teams arrived.
Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services subsequently deployed a Mini Fighter, two 20-kilolitre water bowsers, two Bolero Rapid Intervention Vehicles and an ambulance to carry out firefighting and rescue operations.
Officials later confirmed that the fire had been completely brought under control and that cooling operations were continuing.
The operation was supervised by the Chief Fire Officer along with Additional Chief Fire Officers and other senior fire officials. The exact cause of the explosion has not yet been established, and an investigation is underway.
Ahmedabad Mayor Hitesh Barot, Standing Committee Chairman Kamlesh Patel, the Deputy Municipal Commissioner, senior police officers and other civic officials visited the site to review the rescue and relief efforts.
They instructed officials to ensure immediate medical treatment for the injured, complete extinguishment of the fire and a thorough investigation into the cause of the incident.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed condolences over the loss of lives and announced ex gratia assistance for the victims' families and those injured in the tragedy.
--IANS
