Blast at ‘illegal’ firecracker factory kills eight in western India

The factory's licence has been cancelled, but officials say it was operating from a farm in Ahmedabad

An explosion inside an “illegal” firecracker factory in the Indian state of Gujarat has claimed the lives of at least five people and left nine in critical condition, reports NDTV.

The blast rocked the factory Talent Fireworks in Ahmedabad’s Vastral on Saturday.

The fire brigade said it had been informed of the accident around 3.30pm.

Firefighters with the help of Rapid Action Force, a specialised wing of the Central Reserve Police Force, went to the scene and started a rescue operation.

Officials said the factory was being run on a farm because its licence had been cancelled.

The survivors were hospitalised while the federal government announced financial assistance of Rs 200,000 for the families of the dead, and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

Gujarat is the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In the South Asian nation, firecracker factory accidents are common because highly volatile chemicals are handled in cramped and low-cost setups where even a small spark can lead to blasts.

The industry is largely informal, but it meets the demand during weddings, festivals and other ceremonies.