Nine workers die in massive blast at Ahmedabad mill
ahmedabad — Nine people were killed due to a huge blast and fire in an Ahmedabad cotton mill on Wednesday afternoon. Firefighters have rescued nine others from the site of the blast which razed an entire portion of the building.
According to sources from LG Hospital, the hospital superintendent has confirmed deaths of nine persons. “Nine persons were brought dead from the site of the blast. We have admitted nine of the surviving persons, the condition of two of them is critical. One of them is serious and the other suffers from intracranial haemorrhage,” a hospital official said.
A major fire engulfed the building following a massive blast in the Nanu Kaka estate situated on the Pirana Piplaj road.
The firefighting teams which rushed to the spot have rescued 18 persons from under the rubble and sent them all to the LG Hospital in Ahmedabad. According to sources in the fire department, the teams are still searching for people feared trapped under the rubble.
“We believe that the blast occurred inside a chemical laboratory in one of the units and thereafter a series of explosion followed, consuming half a dozen barrels of chemicals. The blast was so massive that the pillars and beams of this estate were flung 50 metres away, bringing the roof down. Right now the place looks like a war-torn site,” said Jayesh Khadia, deputy chief fire officer, Ahmedabad.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has announced aid of Rs400,000 each to the kin of the victims who died in the blast. He also ordered a probe into the incident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered condolences to the victims’ families on Twitter. “Anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire in a godown in Ahmedabad. Condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers with the injured. The authorities are providing all possible assistance to the affected,” Modi tweeted. —