The fiery blast sent chunks of rock and metal flying far from the factory complex in the town of Deesa in Gujarat state.
"There was a huge blast in the factory causing the concrete roof to collapse, killing 18 people and injuring five others," government spokesman Rishikesh Patel told reporters.
The factory was operating without a licence, he added.Authorities have launched a probe into the incident.
Fireworks are hugely popular in India, particularly during the Hindu festival of Diwali, as well as for use during wedding celebrations.
Explosions are common in firecracker workshops, with owners often disregarding basic safety requirements.Last year, 11 people died in a firework factory explosion in the central state of Madhya Pradesh.
In 2019, at least 18 people were killed in a similar explosion in Punjab state, and another 10 were killed the same year in Uttar Pradesh.
A devastating explosion at a fireworks factory in the Indian state of Gujarat has claimed the lives of 20 workers. The incident occurred in the town of Deesa, where the factory and warehouse caught fire following a blast.
Local authorities reported that the fire quickly spread, leading to widespread chaos.
According to District Collector Meher Patel, the explosion occurred at Deepak Traders, a fireworks facility. The blast was so intense that parts of the building collapsed, hindering rescue operations.
Local fire teams from the Disa Municipality, alongside 108 ambulance units, rushed to the site to carry out the rescue effort.
Initial reports suggested that six people had died, but the death toll tragically increased as firefighters were able to control the blaze and search through the rubble.
The fire was believed to have been caused by a boiler explosion, with the intensity of the blast and subsequent fire damaging the structure of the building severely.
Authorities confirmed that the fire has been brought under control, but cooling operations are still ongoing as rescue teams continue to search for any survivors beneath the debris.
The investigation into the cause of the explosion is underway, with authorities working to ensure the safety of workers in such high-risk environments.
