17 killed in massive fire after explosion at firecracker factory in Gujarat's Deesa

A massive explosion followed by a devastating fire at a firecracker factory in Gujarat's Deesa has left 17 workers dead, according to officials. The incident, which took place on Tuesday, occurred at Deepak Traders, a firecracker manufacturing facility. Initial reports indicated that the explosion was triggered by a malfunctioning boiler, though investigations are ongoing.

The explosion set off a raging fire that quickly consumed the factory and warehouse, causing significant damage. The blast’s force was so strong that it led to the collapse of the factory's slab, further complicating rescue efforts. Firefighters from the Deesa Municipality responded to the scene, with 108 ambulance teams arriving to assist the injured and evacuate survivors.

District Collector Mihir Patel initially reported six fatalities, but as firefighters and rescue teams worked to control the flames and clear the rubble, the death toll tragically rose to 17. The workers, most of whom were inside the factory at the time of the explosion, were caught in the blaze as it quickly spread through the building. Many are feared to have perished due to the intense heat and toxic fumes from the fire.

Preliminary investigations suggest the fire might have been sparked by a boiler explosion, though authorities are still determining the exact cause. The factory’s location in Deesa, an industrial town, made it an essential part of the local economy, but such factories, dealing with volatile materials like firecrackers, pose significant risks to workers and the surrounding community.

Rescue operations continued for several hours as the fire was finally brought under control. The debris, however, remains a major challenge, as many workers are still feared to be trapped beneath the rubble. Officials have pledged to conduct a thorough investigation into the safety protocols at the factory, with calls for tighter regulations in such industries to prevent future tragedies.

This tragedy in Deesa underscores the dangers inherent in the firecracker industry, where safety measures are often overlooked in pursuit of profits. The incident has prompted widespread condemnation from various quarters, urging the government to take stronger action to ensure the safety of workers in hazardous industries.