Gujarat Factory Blaze Kills Four Workers, Sparks Panic, Fire Crews Contain Industrial Zone Fire

Ahmedabad, India— A fire swept through a chemical processing factory in Gujarat's industrial zone on November 1, 2026, killing four workers and forcing the evacuation of two neighboring units.

The blaze broke out around 10:40 a.m. in the Vatva industrial area on the outskirts of Ahmedabad. Workers were handling solvents on the ground floor when flames erupted. The fire spread fast. Black smoke filled the shed. The roof collapsed in sections.

Four workers were trapped near the storage area. Fire officers said they were found near the rear exit, which was blocked by stacked drums. Two other workers jumped from a first-floor window and suffered fractures. They were taken to a civil hospital.

Six fire tenders arrived within 20 minutes. The Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation fire unit led the operation. It took nearly three hours to bring the blaze under control. Foam was used to suppress chemical residues.

"Flammable material was stored without proper separation. Escape route was compromised," a senior fire officer said. "We are documenting safety violations."

Press Trust of India identified the unit as a small-scale dye intermediate manufacturer employing about 35 workers. The factory had a fire NOC that expired in March. A renewal application was pending, according to preliminary records. Neighbors said a strong chemical smell was common.

Families gathered outside the factory gate as news spread. Police held them back from the cordon. The district administration ordered a magisterial inquiry and sealed the premises. Samples of chemicals and electrical wiring were collected for forensic examination.

Gujarat has seen repeated industrial fires in Vatva and Ankleshwar clusters. Workers' groups have demanded stricter inspections and mandatory safety drills. The state labour department said it would audit all units in the block within 72 hours.

Production at two adjacent factories was halted for the day. Officials said air quality tests were conducted around the site. The cause is still under review.