Aluminium powder triggered Gujarat warehouse explosion: Forensic probe

Police look out for firecracker supply links to many states; bodies sent to MP

- DILIP SINGH KSHATRIYA @ Ahmedabad

A forensic probe has confirmed that aluminium powder triggered the massive explosion that tore through an illegal firecracker warehouse near Deesa, Gujarat, killing 21 workers. The forensic team also found yellow dextrin powder—both key firecracker ingredients—raising suspicion of unlawful manufacturing, police said.

The police found a stockpile of firecrackers in the godown and are tracing its supply chain. Banaskantha SP Akshay Raj Makwana said, "Apart from firecrackers, the FSL team found aluminium powder in the warehouse. A bag of yellow dextrin was also recovered. The FSL confirmed that aluminium powder was the cause of the explosion."