7 pm Update: A five-member <a href="https://x.com/BenefitNews24/status/1907064371664257298" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Special Investigation Team</a> (SIT) has been formed to probe the incident, led by DySP CL Solanki. Range IG Chirag Kordiya ordered its formation. Accused Deepak Thakkar and Khubchand Thakkar are absconding; police have deployed five teams for their manhunt.
4 pm Update: CM Bhupendra Patel took to X to express his grief. "The loss of workers' lives in the Deesa fire is heartbreaking. My condolences to their families. I am monitoring rescue and relief efforts and have directed authorities to ensure proper treatment for the injured. The state will provide ₹4 lakh to the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 to the injured. Praying for the departed souls and a swift recovery for the injured," he posted.&nbsp;
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A devastating fire and explosion at an illegal fireworks factory on Dhunwa Road in Deesa, Banaskantha district, has claimed the lives of at least 21 workers. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the death toll will rise.
A loud explosion, heard around 9.45 am on Tuesday, is believed to have triggered the blaze at Deepak Traders Agency, owned by one Khubchand Sindhi.
Firefighters from the Deesa Municipality quickly arrived at the scene, but the intensity of the blaze made it difficult to contain. A 108 ambulance team was also dispatched to assist with rescue operations.
Sources on the ground say the bang was the sound of a boiler exploding, which then caused an RCC slab to collapse.
However, local authorities are still investigating.
They say Deepak Traders had permission to sell fireworks, but not to make them.&nbsp;
Further, Gujarat Govt spokesperson&nbsp;Rushikesh Patel told the media that the building&nbsp; had neither fire safety equipment nor valid licenses.&nbsp;
&ldquo;The workers are from Madhya Pradesh. They began the manufacturing operation three days ago,&rdquo; one witness told the media. 
Banaskantha Collector Mihir Patel&nbsp;said that the workers lived on the premises with their families, making it difficult to gauge how many people were present at the time of the incident, or how many more people might be trapped under the debris.
Meanwhile, emergency services are continuing their efforts to secure the site.&nbsp;
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has condoled the deaths and announced that he will visit the site later in the day.
This tragedy comes less than a year after the fatal fire at Rajkot&rsquo;s TRP Gaming Zone, which claimed 35 lives. &nbsp;

Blast brought down a three-story building; Deepak Traders was authorized to sell fireworks, not make them

SIT constituted to lead probe; CM Patel expresses condolences, relief to families of victims

21 Dead in Blaze at Illegal Fireworks Factory in Deesa

SIT constituted to lead probe; CM Patel expresses condolences, relief to families of victims

April 1, 2025 | 14:57 IST