India, July 18 -- At least nine people were killed and 7 others were injured after a major fire broke out at New Fire Works, a firecracker manufacturing unit on Ramol-Gatrad Road near Vastral on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, on Saturday afternoon. Police said the factory was suspected to have been operating illegally.

According to the latest update from Ahmedabad Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot, nine people have died and seven others have been injured in the firecracker factory blaze. Initial reports had said 15 people were affected, with five fatalities confirmed at the time. The injured are undergoing treatment at nearby hospitals.

The factory was allegedly being operated by Mehul Dodiya, Rathore said.

Sources said the unit's l...