On April 1, 2025, a devastating explosion at a warehouse near Deesa town in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district claimed the lives of 21 individuals, sending shockwaves through the region. While the immediate aftermath centered on rescue and recovery, a deeper forensic investigation has now revealed the presence of key materials responsible for the blast: aluminium powder and yellow dextrin—both critical ingredients in firecracker manufacturing.
The Role of Aluminium Powder: A Hidden Hazard
Aluminium powder is a fine, metallic substance widely used in pyrotechnics, explosives, and fireworks due to its high reactivity and energy-releasing properties. It is classified as a flammable but non-explosive substance when stored appropriately, which means it can be sold in the open market without licensing. However, its potential for disaster emerges when confined in enclosed spaces with an ignition source.
In the case of the Deesa warehouse, forensic science laboratory (FSL) experts concluded that the aluminium powder stored inside contributed directly to the intense explosion. The blast’s impact—strong enough to scatter body parts hundreds of meters—illustrates the destructive capacity of aluminium when ignited in confined conditions.
Chemically, aluminium powder acts as a reducing agent, releasing vast amounts of heat when it reacts with oxidizing agents. This exothermic reaction is what fuels many pyrotechnic devices. Even without confirmed presence of oxidizers in the current case, the flammable nature of aluminium powder alone poses a severe hazard in unregulated environments.
Yellow Dextrin: The Silent Binder
Alongside aluminium powder, FSL teams also recovered bags of yellow dextrin from the blast site. Dextrin, a carbohydrate compound derived from starch, is typically used as a binder in pyrotechnic compositions. It holds together powdered ingredients, ensuring stable, uniform firecracker designs.
Though dextrin is not explosive on its own, it plays a vital role in creating a coherent, functional firework by stabilizing volatile components. When combined with metal powders and oxidizers, dextrin ensures smooth ignition and combustion. Its presence in the godown, coupled with aluminium powder, strongly hints at illicit firecracker manufacturing, far beyond mere storage.
Legal Implications and Safety Oversights
The warehouse had a lapsed license that only permitted storage of firecrackers—not manufacturing. With evidence of aluminium and dextrin on site, authorities are now probing deeper into whether the unit was operating as an illegal firework production facility.
Adding to the suspicions is the warehouse owner’s history, which includes previous involvement in illicit activities. Police have invoked the Explosives Act, Explosive Substances Act, and BNS sections related to culpable homicide, highlighting the severity of negligence involved.
Technical Takeaways
This tragic event underscores the dangers of improper storage and handling of even “non-explosive” substances like aluminium powder. Key forensic takeaways include:
- Aluminium powder can become explosively hazardous when dispersed in air within enclosed spaces, especially if ignition sources are present.
- Dextrin, while inert, is a strong indicator of intentional firework manufacturing when found alongside metal powders.
- Lack of regulatory compliance, expired licenses, and absence of safety protocols can turn industrial zones into disaster sites.
As investigations continue, this incident serves as a grim reminder of the intersection between chemical knowledge and public safety. It also highlights the importance of forensic science in unraveling the true nature of such catastrophic events. Aluminium powder and dextrin, when misused, can turn from functional ingredients into fatal weapons.
Watch the video highlighting the forensic and legal aspects of this case here.
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