12 dead as textile godown slab collapses in Ahmedabad after blasts in neighboring chemical unit

Ahmedabad: 12 labourers included 7 gents and 5 ladies are dead in an incident of building collapse and fire in a cutting and packing godown of textile items in Nanukaka Estate on Pirana – Piplaj road in the city today morning.

According to Amdavad Fire and Emergency Services (AFES) chief Minoch Dastoor, 21 persons were rescued and sent to hospital, among them 12 persons died.

He said, as per information available to him, a blast happened in neighbouring chemical unit due to which structure of suffering textile godown collapsed and also had fire.

24 vehicles of AFES were with 60 jawans were on duty. AFES found no fire safety system in place in the unit.

According to those on the site, around five repeated blasts took place in a Chemicals unit, adjusting to textile godown, possibly in a tank or barrels. According to a local person, a chemical unit that witnessed blasts was operating illegally.

City Crime Branch and Forensic Science teams were moved to the spot of incident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a tweet said: 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.

State Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has handed over probe of fire and slab collapse incident in industrial area of Ahmedabad to Additional Chief Secretary Vipul Mittra and Gujarat Pollution Control Board Chairman Sanjivkumar. Rupani has also announced Rs. 4 lakh relief to nearest kin of each person who lost life in this incident.

City Mayor said 10 persons who were rescued and hospitalized to AMC run LG hospital were being given free treatment.

DeshGujarat