Death Toll Rises to 10 in Ahmedabad Fireworks Factory Explosion
Ahmedabad, July 20: The death toll from the explosion at an allegedly illegal fireworks manufacturing unit in the Ramol area of Ahmedabad has risen to 10. A severely injured individual succumbed to his injuries early Monday morning at a civil hospital.
Dr. Rakesh Joshi, the medical superintendent at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, confirmed that the deceased has been identified as Govind Damor. He passed away at 2:15 AM due to severe burns affecting over 95% of his body. Like many victims, he was originally from Dahod district.
Dr. Joshi reported, “Following the tragic incident at the Ramol fireworks factory, five patients were admitted to the civil hospital, including one woman and four men. Among them, one man and one woman suffered severe burns. The man had over 95% of his body burned, while the woman had over 75% of her body affected. Both are in critical condition and receiving treatment in the ICU.”
He further mentioned that treatment for the remaining patients is ongoing.
“Three other patients are currently in the burn ward. Two of them have sustained burns of 40% and 20%, respectively. Since the civil hospital has a skin bank, skin grafts from donors have been applied to approximately 28% of the body of the patient with 40% burns and about 15% of the affected area of the patient with 20% burns. Our plastic surgery team is providing intensive care and is committed to their swift recovery,” he added.
The fifth patient is reported to be in stable condition.
The explosion occurred on Saturday afternoon at the ‘New Gujarat Fire Works’ unit on Ramol-Gatrad Road. Investigators allege that the unit was operating illegally despite its license having expired.
The blast triggered a massive fire, devastating the area and trapping workers inside. A rescue operation was launched by personnel from the nearby Rapid Action Force camp, firefighters, and police before the fire was brought under control.
Authorities have filed charges against Ramila Dodia, the factory operator, her son Mehul Dodia, and their alleged partner Sadik Syed under the Indian Penal Code, the Explosive Substances Act, and the Explosives Act. All three have been arrested, and a Special Investigation Team has been formed to conduct a detailed inquiry into the incident.
In the wake of this tragedy, officials are also investigating alleged violations of safety regulations, the source of the explosives, and other illegal fireworks manufacturing units operating in and around Ahmedabad.
