At least eight people died and several others were injured in a blaze that engulfed a firecracker store in Gujarat's Vadodara on Friday, ANI reported. Officials said the fire spread to two other stores in the vicinity in Rustompura village, The Times of India reported.
Emergency and fire personnel, who were deployed at the site, doused the flames with the help of five fire tenders. The injured are undergoing treatment at a local hospital.
Although the exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, reports said it was likely caused by a spark in the pile of crackers inside the store. Waghodia police Sub-inspector Yashwant Chauhan, however, said that the fire started from a nearby tyre shop. "The tyre stock caught fire causing panic among the residents and other locals. The victims got caught in fire and lost their lives," he told the Times of India.
Local fire officials told The Indian Express that the shop was illegal and did not follow proper safety measures.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!