PM Modi expresses grief over loss of lives in Ahmedabad cracker factory blast

New Delhi, Jul 18 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed grief over the loss of lives in a blast and fire at an illegal firecracker factory in Gujarat's Ahmedabad city and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 to those injured. At least four persons were killed and several others injured in a blast and fire at a firecracker factory in Ramol area of Ahmedabad on Saturday, a police official said, adding the toll is likely to rise. "Extremely saddened to hear about the loss of lives due to a mishap at a fireworks factory in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. The local administration is providing all possible assistance to those affected," Modi said in a post on X. The prime minister said an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund would be given to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 to those injured in the incident. PTI ACB MPL MPL