Massive blast rocks illegal firecracker factory in Kheda:2 workers seriously injured as fire guts entire premises; residents say explosion heard 4 km away

A powerful explosion rocked an illegal firecracker factory opposite the dumping station in Kapadvanj town of Kheda district at around 9.30 am on Friday (27 June), triggering panic across the area. The impact of the blast was so intense that residents of nearby villages initially mistook it for an earthquake. The explosion reduced the factory’s boundary wall, tin shed and office building to rubble, while thick plumes of smoke could be seen rising from the site from several kilometres away. Two workers seriously injured, probe underway Five to six people sustained injuries in the explosion, including two workers who suffered serious injuries and were rushed to hospital for treatment. The incident comes just two days after the Kheda Special Operations Group (SOG) raided an illegal firecracker manufacturing unit in Vaso village, making this the second major case involving illegal firecracker operations to surface in the district within a span of days. Police, fire teams launch rescue operation after blast The deafening explosion sent panic through nearby villages, with frightened residents rushing out of their homes and gathering at the accident site. On receiving information, police and fire brigade teams immediately rushed to the spot, launched rescue and relief operations, and began further legal action. Considering the gravity of the incident, the local MLA, Circle Officer, DySP and other senior officials also reached the site to monitor the situation and oversee the ongoing operation. Congress questions administration after powerful blast Kapadwanj City Congress president Nitin Patel claimed, “The explosion was unprecedented in the town’s history and suggested that materials more hazardous than firecrackers may have been stored or manufactured at the unit”. He alleged, “Despite the scale of the incident, the local administration had failed to act proactively and described it as a case of serious negligence”. Congress alleges illegal unit operated for two years Nitin Patel further alleged, “The illegal firecracker factory had been operating for nearly two years and had even been provided with an authorised electricity connection”. He demanded a thorough probe into the circumstances under which the power connection was sanctioned and who approved it. Patel also claimed, “Such a hazardous unit could not have continued functioning for so long without the protection or backing of responsible officials and influential leaders from the ruling party”. 3 pictures after the accident Official says factory may have been operating without valid approval Responding to the massive explosion at the firecracker factory in Kapadvanj, District Officer Anil Jhala said, “Preliminary findings indicate that the unit is suspected to have been operating without the necessary approvals”. He said, “Five to six workers were present inside the factory when the blast occurred, of whom two sustained serious injuries. The injured workers have been shifted to hospitals in Nadiad and Ahmedabad for advanced treatment”. Preliminary probe points to firecracker wick manufacturing Preliminary investigation suggests the unit was being used to manufacture firecracker wicks. Officials have identified the factory owner as a member of the Patel community. However, the District Officer said, “The administration does not yet know how long the unit had been operating, and a detailed investigation is underway”. Residents question oversight, owner yet to reach site The explosion has sparked widespread anger among local residents, who are questioning how such a factory could function without the administration’s knowledge. They have also demanded answers on how the unit obtained a dedicated electricity connection, who sanctioned it, and on what grounds the approval was granted. Several hours after the blast, the factory owner had still not reached the site. According to local residents, the owner is based in Ahmedabad.