Fireworks factory explodes in India, claiming 18 lives

At least 18 workers are feared to have been killed in a massive explosion at a fireworks manufacturing factory in Deesa, Banaskantha district.

Rescue operations are currently underway, with authorities fearing that the death toll could rise further, Caliber.Az reports, citing Indian media.

Teams of firefighters, police, and emergency service personnel have been working tirelessly at the scene since the early morning explosion. While the exact number of trapped workers remains unclear, initial reports suggest that 18 workers have been confirmed dead in the aftermath of the fire. Five workers have been rescued and rushed to Deesa hospital for treatment.

Officials suspect that the explosion was triggered by a boiler blast in the godown, where large quantities of firecrackers were stored. Sources indicated that the factory’s owner had permission to operate only a storage facility, but was running an illegal fireworks manufacturing operation at the site.

Banaskantha Collector Mihir Patel, who arrived at the scene, shared with reporters, "We received information about a large explosion in the industrial area of Deesa earlier this morning. The Fire Department immediately responded and was able to control the fire. The explosion was so severe that it caused the RCC slab of the factory to collapse. A rescue operation is still in progress."

The explosion has claimed the lives of several men, women, and children, many of whom were migrant workers from Madhya Pradesh. The exact number of victims is still being verified.

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the explosion, with an emphasis on the illegal manufacturing operations at the site. The incident has sparked renewed concerns over safety protocols in factories and industrial areas across the region.

By Khagan Isayev