New Delhi, 2 April 2025 (dpa/MIA) - At least 21 people have been killed in an explosion followed by a fire at a large fireworks warehouse in western India, local media reported on Tuesday.

Six others were injured in the blast, which occurred in Banaskantha district, Gujarat, news agency PTI and other outlets reported, citing district collector Mihir Patel.

The force of the explosion was so powerful that people were reportedly hurled 200 to 300 metres away from the site.

Reports suggest that fireworks may have been stored and manufactured illegally at the warehouse. The owner of the facility has been detained following the incident, according to the reports.

The explosion caused a reinforced concrete slab to collapse, likely burying several people under the rubble, the ANI agency quoted Banaskantha Superintendent of Police Akshayraj Makwana as saying.

Investigations into the cause of the blast have been launched. Most of the victims were reportedly workers inside the building.

Fireworks are a popular part of celebrations in India, particularly during religious festivals and weddings. Fatal accidents are common in the country's firecracker factories, where safety standards are often inadequate.

MIA file photo