Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow over a firecracker explosion in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district that claimed 18 lives. He announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured.
“Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the explosion at a firecracker factory in Banaskantha, Gujarat. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected,” the Prime Minister’s Office posted on X.
PM Modi confirmed that the financial assistance would be provided from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also expressed grief over the incident and announced an additional financial aid of Rs 4 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
“I am in constant touch with the administration regarding the relief, rescue, and treatment operations in this accident. I have instructed the administration to ensure that the injured receive proper treatment at the earliest. The state government will provide Rs 4 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured,” Patel posted on X.
The explosion, which occurred at around 9:45 am on Tuesday in the Deesa area, led to the collapse of a structure, trapping several workers inside. Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities continue to assess the situation.
Banaskantha Superintendent of Police Akshayraj Makwana stated that a case has been registered in connection with the incident.
“As soon as we received information about the incident, we initiated relief work. So far, 18 people have died due to the collapse of a slab. An FIR is being filed under Section 304 (causing death by negligence), and strict action will be taken against those responsible,” SP Makwana said.
Banaskantha police have formed five teams to identify and apprehend those responsible for the explosion.
