Gujarat Fireworks Factory Blast Kills 17; Hazardous Materials Hamper Rescue

There was an explosion at a fireworks factory in Disa, Gujarat, which has led to the deaths of 17 workers. The blast took place at Deepak Traders, a local factory, igniting a large fire that quickly spread and caused widespread chaos. District Collector Meher Patel said that the explosion was so strong that it caused parts of the building to collapse, complicating the rescue efforts.

Firefighters from Disa Municipality, along with emergency medical teams, arrived at the scene to put out the flames and look for any survivors. At first, six people were reported dead, but that number rose as rescue teams worked their way through the rubble. Authorities believe a boiler explosion triggered the blast, which not only caused extensive damage to the factory's structure but also sparked the fire.

Rescue workers are working through the rubble, searching for any survivors who might still be trapped, even as any hope for other survivors fades with each passing moment. The presence of hazardous materials in the factory, like undetonated fireworks and chemicals, makes it dangerous for those responding to the scene.

An investigation is currently in progress to figure out what exactly caused the explosion. Officials are also taking a closer look at the safety standards in fireworks factories, which are notorious for their risky working conditions in India.