Jaipur : A massive fire broke out at a firecracker warehouse in Jaipur’s Khoh Nagoriyan area on Tuesday morning around 11 a.m., triggering panic in the neighborhood. The tragic incident claimed the lives of four people, including a child, while four workers sustained severe burn injuries.
Among the deceased, one victim has been identified as Abdul Wahid, a resident of Ramganj. The identities of the other three victims are yet to be confirmed. The injured workers—Azeem Khan (18), Nasir Khan (20), Sameer Khan (20), and Bilal (22)—have been admitted to SMS Hospital for treatment. All four are residents of Rahim Nagar in the Khoh Nagoriyan area.
According to Dr. R.K. Jain, a plastic surgeon at SMS Hospital, Sameer and Nasir have suffered burns over approximately 95 percent of their bodies. Bilal sustained 75 percent burns, while Adib suffered burns over 65 percent of his body. Doctors are continuing intensive treatment for the injured.
Jaipur District Collector Sandesh Nayak stated that the fire occurred at a firecracker warehouse located near ITI College in the Ayesha Nagar Talai area of Khoh Nagoriyan. Preliminary investigations suggest that a combustible material may have triggered the blaze. However, the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Jaipur Police Commissioner Sachin Mittal said the site where the incident occurred was being used as a storage warehouse for firecrackers, while the manufacturing unit is located elsewhere. He added that the exact circumstances leading to the fire would become clear only after a detailed investigation. Initial findings indicate that the warehouse was operating illegally within a residential locality. Strict action will be taken against the warehouse owner.
MLA Raises Questions Over Administrative Oversight
Following the incident, local MLA Amin Kagzi questioned the role of the police and administration. He asked whether authorities were unaware that a warehouse storing explosive materials was operating in a densely populated residential area. He also questioned why local residents had not raised concerns about the facility earlier.
Kagzi stated that regardless of where the victims came from, every life is equally valuable. He described the tragedy as a major administrative failure and demanded accountability from the officials responsible.
Illegal Warehouse Operating in Unauthorized Colony
Reports indicate that the firecracker warehouse was functioning within an area considered an unauthorized residential colony. In response, the district administration has sought detailed reports from the concerned tehsildar and patwari regarding the legality of the land and construction.
Meanwhile, the post-mortem examination of Abdul Wahid is being conducted at the SMS Hospital mortuary. Police Commissioner Sachin Mittal confirmed that four deaths have been reported so far, while four people remain injured, two of whom are in critical condition.
He further stated that legal action would not be limited to the warehouse owner. Any police personnel, property owner, or other individuals found responsible for negligence or violations will also face action under the law.