Two injured in blast at illegal firecracker factory in Kapadwanj, Gujarat

Ahmedabad: Two workers were injured after a major explosion ripped through an illegal firecracker factory in Kapadwanj town on Saturday morning. One of the victims was taken to the civil hospital in Nadiad, while the other was shifted to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital.The injured persons have not yet been identified.Kheda superintendent of police Vijay Patel said the facility did not have a valid licence to carry out any manufacturing activity.The unit’s owner is absconding, and efforts are underway to trace him.

The blaze erupted between 9.30am and 10am. According to the locals, the blast was heard kilometres away. Thick smoke was seen rising from the site. According to local accounts, the explosion caused extensive damage to the structure, bringing down portions of the unit’s walls and shed.

Debris was scattered across the surrounding areas. Witnesses said six people worked in the factory, but two were seriously injured.

Two fire tenders were pressed into service to bring the fire under control.Police are investigating how the fire and subsequent explosion occurred. They are checking if unsafe handling or storage of explosive substances triggered the mishap.The incident has renewed scrutiny of illegal firecracker units operating in the district. Officials said action would be initiated under relevant laws against those responsible once the investigation establishes the chain of ownership, operations and any regulatory lapses that allowed the unit to function.The administration had no information about how long this factory had been running. However, an unconfirmed report suggested that this factory had been operational for 2 years and had an electricity connection.