Ahmedabad Crackers Factory Blast exposes factory’s troubled safety record as investigators examine licensing and past incidents
The Ahmedabad Crackers Factory Blast has taken a significant turn after investigators uncovered that the same fireworks manufacturing unit in Mehmudpura had witnessed a fatal explosion more than a decade ago. The latest blast, which occurred on July 18, 2026, has once again brought the factory’s safety standards, licensing history, and regulatory oversight under intense scrutiny.
Authorities are now examining whether previous accidents, licensing issues, and alleged negligence contributed to the devastating explosion that claimed multiple lives in Ahmedabad’s Ramol area.
Deadly explosion leaves nine dead and several injured
A massive fire and explosion ripped through a fireworks manufacturing and processing facility located at Mehmudpura on the Ramol-Gatrad Road on Saturday afternoon. According to officials, around 15 people were caught in the blast.
Nine people lost their lives in the incident, including three children, four women, and two men. Several others sustained serious burn injuries and were shifted to L.G. Hospital in Maninagar and Civil Hospital in Asarwa for treatment. Firefighters eventually brought the blaze under control before beginning cooling operations to prevent further flare-ups.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the risks associated with handling explosive materials in industrial units where safety protocols may not be adequately followed.
Earlier explosion in 2014 had also claimed a young life
As the investigation progressed, officials uncovered that this was not the first major accident linked to the Mehmudpura fireworks factory.
Records indicate that the same premises witnessed a serious explosion in 2014, resulting in the death of a 14-year-old boy. The revelation has intensified concerns over the factory’s operational history and whether sufficient corrective measures were ever implemented after the earlier tragedy.
The recurrence of a fatal explosion at the same location has prompted authorities to review past investigations and determine whether lessons from the previous incident were ignored.
Licensing history under the scanner
Investigators are also looking into the factory’s licensing process following reports that the unit had a complicated regulatory history.
According to information emerging from the investigation, the fireworks business had reportedly been operated for more than two decades under the management of Ramilaben Dodiya, the mother of Mehul Dodiya. Officials are examining claims that the original licence was cancelled after earlier violations and safety concerns.
Sources associated with the investigation indicate that after the cancellation, a fresh licence was allegedly obtained in the name of Mehul Dodiya, allowing operations to continue. Authorities are now verifying the legality of the licensing process and whether all mandatory conditions for manufacturing fireworks were met.
Police had reportedly raised objections over licence renewal
Another key aspect of the investigation involves the factory’s most recent licence renewal application.
Officials are examining reports that the police had submitted an adverse report during the renewal process. Investigators are now trying to determine how the unit continued functioning despite the reported objections and whether any administrative lapses occurred during the approval process.
The findings could become an important part of the broader inquiry into regulatory compliance and accountability.
Factory operator under medical treatment
Ramilaben Dodiya, who is believed to have been associated with the management of the factory, is currently undergoing treatment at L.G. Hospital after the incident.
Police officials are keeping her under observation and are expected to record her statement once doctors declare her medically fit. Investigators are likely to question her regarding the factory’s operations, safety practices, licensing records, and the circumstances leading up to the explosion.
Investigation continues into cause of the blast
Forensic experts, fire officials, and police teams continue to inspect the blast site to determine the exact cause of the explosion. Investigators are expected to examine whether explosive materials were stored or handled in violation of prescribed safety norms and whether the factory complied with applicable regulations.
Authorities are also expected to review operational records, employee details, and safety measures maintained at the facility.
The Ahmedabad Crackers Factory Blast has become one of the city’s deadliest industrial accidents in recent years. With the discovery of a previous fatal explosion at the same factory and fresh questions surrounding its licensing history, the investigation is likely to focus not only on the immediate cause of the blast but also on whether longstanding safety failures and regulatory lapses played a role in the tragedy. Officials have stated that appropriate legal action will follow based on the findings of the ongoing inquiry.