Explosions in Gujarat and West Bengal Expose Safety Failures in Firecracker Industry

A deadly blast at an illegal firecracker godown in Gujarat killed 21, while a residential explosion in West Bengal claimed 8 lives, prompting scrutiny of India’s regulatory enforcement.

A massive explosion at an illegal firecracker godown in Banaskantha, Gujarat, killed 21 people, including workers and their families, with rescue operations now concluded.
The godown, owned by Deepak Mohnani, was operating without a valid license, and the owner has been arrested; investigations are ongoing to determine the precise cause of the blast.
In Pathar Pratima, West Bengal, a residential explosion killed 8 people, including children, with conflicting claims about whether firecracker materials were stored at the site.
Both incidents highlight systemic safety lapses and illegal operations in India's firecracker industry, which has a history of similar tragedies.
Government officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have announced financial aid for victims’ families, while calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations grow louder.