Deesa, Gujarat – A forensic investigation in Deesa, Gujarat, revealed that the explosion and ensuing fire at a firecracker warehouse were caused by the presence of aluminum powder, a key ingredient in firecrackers. The tragic incident claimed the lives of 21 individuals, as confirmed by authorities on Wednesday. In addition to aluminum powder, the forensic team discovered yellow dextrin powder at the warehouse where the firecrackers were stored, according to Banaskantha district Superintendent of Police Akshayraj Makwana.
While acknowledging that both substances are commonly used in firecracker production, the Superintendent of Police emphasized the ongoing investigation’s necessity to determine if the firecrackers were indeed manufactured at the warehouse. The explosion, which occurred on Tuesday morning near Deesa town, resulted in body parts being scattered up to 300 meters away and led to the deaths of some workers’ family members due to falling debris.
Authorities apprehended warehouse owners Deepak Mohnani and Khubchand Mohnani from a neighboring district on Tuesday evening, charging them with culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The duo faces accusations under relevant sections of the Explosives Act and the Explosive Substances Act. The forensic team linked the explosion to aluminum powder found at the scene, despite its non-explosive classification.
Aluminum powder, a potentially hazardous material, can cause a significant blast if ignited in an enclosed space due to its high energy output. While the accused denied manufacturing firecrackers at the warehouse, authorities plan to delve deeper into the case. The godown reportedly had a license to store firecrackers initially, but it was not renewed after lapses were observed. Investigations also revealed a prior incident involving Deepak Mohnani in a cricket betting racket.
In response to the tragedy, a Special Investigation Team and seven additional teams have been established to delve into various aspects of the case, such as bank transactions and call detail records. As authorities continue their thorough examination of the incident, the community mourns the loss of those affected by the devastating explosion in Deesa.