Horror as explosion at factory triggers deadly blaze killing 2 people - 20 injured

By Alice Scarsi, World News Editor, Jon King, News Reporter

The fire was triggered by an explosion (Image: @Raajeev_Chopra/X)

A blast at a textile processing unit triggered a fatal fire which killed at least two workers and injured 20 others, officials have confirmed. The explosion tore through a factory in the Surat district of Gujarat, India, on Monday (September 1). Unverified video posted on social media purports to show onlookers standing just meters away from the raging fire.

Two of the 20 injured are said to be fighting for their lives in a critical condition, according to Indian media. Local magistrate, VK Pipaliya, is reported by PTI News as saying the explosion was in the village of Jolva at a textile mill. Mr Pipaliya, quoted by the same outlet, identified a chemical drum as the source of the blast.

Mr Pipaliya is reported to have said: "The explosion led to a blaze, resulting in the death of two workers on the spot and leaving 20 others injured. They are currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Surat."

He added: "Of the 20 workers who were admitted to hospital, two are in critical condition."

NDTV reported the official as saying 10 fire engines attended the blaze.

The state of Gujarat is a hub of India's textiles industry. In recent days, exporters raised concerns about the impact of US President Donald Trump's sweeping 50% tariffs rate imposed on goods from India entering the United States.

The Times of India reported that exporters in the state had been bracing for one of the toughest trade setbacks in recent years.

Gujarat accounts for nearly 30% of India's textile exports, according to the same publication.