NE NEWS SERVICE
AHMEDABAD, NOV 4
Six people were killed and eight others injured on Wednesday when a portion of a godown of chemicals collapsed after a powerful explosion ripped through it near here in Gujarat, officials said.
CM Shri @vijayrupanibjp announces ex-gratia of Rs.4 lakh to the families of each victim of Ahmedabad fire mishap and deputed two senior officials for the investigation of the tragedy.
— CMO Gujarat (@CMOGuj) November 4, 2020
At least 14 persons have been pulled out of the debris so far and the rescue operation is going on, a senior Fire official said, adding that the building housing the godown was located on Pirana-Piplaj Road, an industrial area.
An official had earlier said the explosion was triggered by a fire.
“Fire personnel rushed to the spot upon learning about the explosion and pulled out 14 persons from the rubble till now. All were shifted to LG Hospital in ”108” ambulances,” said Chief Fire Officer MF Dastur.
Deeply saddened by the news of Ahmedabad fire tragedy. Instructed officials to do needful. My prayers are with all those affected. May those who have been injured recover at the earliest. I pray for the departed souls. Om Shanti.
— Vijay Rupani (Modi Ka Parivar) (@vijayrupanibjp) November 4, 2020
He said machinery has been used to break concrete slabs to extricate the trapped people.
Meanwhile, the government hospital said six of the 14 persons have been either declared “brought dead” or they have died shortly after admission.
Anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire in a godown in Ahmedabad. Condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers with the injured. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to the affected.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 4, 2020
“Remaining eight injured persons are undergoing treatment,” it said in a statement.
A fire control room official said at least 26 rescue and fire-fighting vehicles were sent to the spot after a fire-explosion call was received around 11 am.
“The chemical godown building caved in following an explosion. The rescue operation is still underway. We have initiated an inquiry into this incident” said Deputy Commissioner of Police Ashok Munia.
Meanwhile, labourers working in adjacent buildings told reporters that the explosion was so powerful that it destroyed the walls of the godown, leading to the collapse of the roof on people working inside.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijaybhai Rupani has announced an ex gratia of Rs.4 lakh to the families of each victim of Ahmedabad fire mishap and deputed two senior officials for the investigation of the tragedy.
