At least 21 people lost their lives and five others sustained injuries on Tuesday due to an explosion at an illegal fireworks factory in India, as reported by local authorities.

The explosion caused debris, including body parts, stones, and metal fragments, to scatter over a wide area surrounding the industrial complex located in the city of Disa in the state of Gujarat, in the northwest region of the country.

The spokesperson for the Gujarat state government, Rishikesh Patel, confirmed that a massive explosion took place at the factory, resulting in the collapse of its concrete roof.

He noted that the factory was operating without proper licensing, prompting officials to initiate an investigation into the incident.

Police officer C.L. Solanki indicated that the death toll from the incident in the fireworks manufacturing unit had risen to 21. Earlier assessments reported at least 18 fatalities.

District government official Mihir Patel stated the explosion's intensity was such that some remains of the victims were discovered on a farm located 200 to 300 meters from the site.

Explosions in fireworks factories are not uncommon in India, where operators frequently disregard safety regulations.

Last year, 11 people were killed in a similar incident at a fireworks factory in Madhya Pradesh in central India.

In 2019, 18 individuals lost their lives in an explosion at a factory in Batala, Punjab, while another ten fatalities occurred within the same year in a related incident in Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh.