Banaskantha Fire: The deceased were labourers and their family members from Madhya Pradesh and most of them died due to the slab falling. This unit was for storing firecrackers and till now there is no clue whether firecrackers were being made there or not. Whereas earlier the officials had said that it was a factory.

Massive fire engulfs firecracker godown: 18 people lost their lives and 5 others were injured when a firecracker godown caught fire and parts of the building collapsed in Banaskantha, Gujarat on Tuesday. The incident took place at around 9:45 am in the godown located near Deesa town. According to District Police SP Akshayraj Makwana, '18 people died in this incident and five others were injured when the slab of the building collapsed after the massive explosion.'

Investigation into the matter continues

The deceased were labourers and their family members from Madhya Pradesh and most of them died due to the slab falling. This unit was for storing firecrackers and so far there is no clue whether firecrackers were being manufactured there or not. Whereas earlier the officials had said that it was a factory.

declaration of compensation

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed grief over the incident and announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured. Patel said in a post on the social media platform 'X', 'The incident of fire in a firecracker warehouse in Disa and the death of workers due to slab collapse is heart-wrenching. My deepest condolences are with the families of the deceased in this hour of grief.'

He said, 'I am in constant touch with the administration regarding relief, rescue and treatment work in this accident. I have instructed the administration to provide proper treatment to the injured as soon as possible. The state government will provide Rs 4 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured. I pray that God gives peace to the souls of the deceased employees and speedy recovery to the injured.'

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has also expressed grief over the untimely death of Madhya Pradesh employees in this incident. Yadav said that the Madhya Pradesh government is in constant touch with the officials of Gujarat. He said that full assistance will be given to the employees affected by the incident. Yadav said that all necessary efforts will be made to help the employees and their families.