At least 10 people were killed after a fire tore through an illegally operated firecracker factory in Ahmedabad’s Ramol area, police said on Tuesday.
According to police, the factory had earlier been sealed after its licence expired on March 31, 2026. Investigators said the premises were allegedly reopened without permission, leading to the fatal accident.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Mayur Patil said the unit had been shut down by authorities after its licence lapsed.
“A fire broke out at an illegal firecracker factory in the Ramol area, resulting in the deaths of 10 people. We had previously shut down the factory because its licence had expired on March 31, 2026, and the premises had been sealed. However, taking advantage of the police being occupied with security arrangements for the Rath Yatra, they attempted to reopen the illegal factory. This led to an accident and the loss of 10 lives,” Patil said.
#WATCH | Ahmedabad, Gujarat | DCP Mayur Patil says, “A fire broke out at an illegal firecracker factory in the Ramol area, resulting in the deaths of 10 people. We had previously shut down the factory because its license had expired on March 31, 2026, and the premises had been… pic.twitter.com/cR805xZXBO
— ANI (@ANI) July 22, 2026
Drive against illegal factories intensified
Following the incident, police said action against unauthorised industrial units with expired licences has been stepped up.
Patil urged landowners to ensure that factories operating on their properties possess valid licences and said authorities have begun demolition drives against illegal establishments.
“To prevent such incidents in the future, we have appealed to landowners to take action regarding any factories on their land that hold expired licences. Landowners are now carrying out demolition actions against such operators. Arrangements have been put in place by the police and the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation,” he said.
Police and civic officials are monitoring the demolition of unauthorised structures in the area.
An investigation into the fire is underway.
(With inputs from ANI)