Ahmedabad City Police officials announced on Sunday, July 19, 2026, that they have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into an industrial accident. The incident occurred at the New Gujarat Fire Works factory located in the Vastral area of Ahmedabad.
Constitution Of Special Investigation Unit
In an administrative order issued on Sunday, July 19, Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut stated that the decision to form the SIT was made with a specific directive. The commissioner said the team had been formed to ensure a "thorough and in-depth investigation" into the case.
The official document notes that this investigative body will address the details of the incident which took place behind the Rapid Action Force (RAF) camp near the canal in Vastral. Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut issued the order to oversee the proceedings at Ramol Police Station, where a case has been registered following the blast.
Casualty Details And Incident Location
Reports from Ahmedabad indicate that the explosion resulted in nine fatalities. Additionally, six individuals were reported injured during the incident. The accident took place within the premises of the New Gujarat Fire Works factory, which is situated in proximity to military infrastructure.
The location of the blast was confirmed as being near a canal and adjacent to the Rapid Action Force (RAF) camp. This geographical positioning places the industrial site directly behind security installations operated by the RAF in the Vastral locality. The incident drew immediate attention from local law enforcement authorities who moved to secure the area.
Registration Of Police Case
A formal case has been registered at Ramol Police Station regarding the explosion. This registration is part of standard police procedure following an accident resulting in loss of life and injury within city limits. The investigation will now proceed under the supervision of the newly formed Special Investigation Team.
Operational Context Of Vastral Area
The New Gujarat Fire Works factory operates as a manufacturing unit for firecrackers, which are often associated with festive seasons and cultural celebrations in India. The facility is located within an industrial zone that shares boundaries with other significant installations.
Vastral serves as a locality where various industries operate alongside residential areas and security camps. The presence of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) camp near the canal highlights the density of both civilian infrastructure and state security assets in this specific sector of Ahmedabad.
Timeline Of Events
The explosion occurred on Saturday, July 18, 2026. The news broke publicly on Sunday, July 19, 2026. By the time reports were published at 09:58 PM IST on Sunday, details regarding the number of casualties and the formation of the SIT had been confirmed by police sources.
The investigation is expected to focus on the causes leading up to the blast within the factory premises. The Special Investigation Team will examine records related to safety protocols at the New Gujarat Fire Works plant as well as any potential violations that may have contributed to the accident.
Police Response And Administrative Action
Ahmedabad City Police took immediate administrative action upon learning of the casualties. The formation of a specialized team indicates an escalation in the level of scrutiny applied to industrial accidents involving loss of life. This approach aligns with standard protocols for high-profile incidents within urban centers.
The police commissioner emphasized that the investigation would be thorough and in-depth. Such language suggests a commitment to examining all aspects of the incident, including potential lapses in safety measures or regulatory compliance at the factory site.
Implications For Industrial Safety
The establishment of an SIT for this specific case may set a precedent for how similar incidents are handled by law enforcement agencies. It demonstrates that accidents resulting in multiple fatalities trigger immediate and specialized investigative responses from city administration.
The location near the RAF camp adds another layer to the operational context, as it involves areas with heightened security presence. The proximity of an industrial explosion site to a military camp requires coordination between different levels of government authority during the investigation process.
Public And Media Reporting
Coverage of the incident has been provided by news outlets such as LatestLY, which reported on the formation of the SIT. The reporting includes details about the order issued by Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut and the specific location of the factory.
Media reports have also highlighted the casualty count and the nature of the accident at the firecracker plant. These accounts serve to inform the public about the ongoing investigation and the steps being taken by law enforcement officials.