Massive Fire at Rajkot’s Gopal Namkeen Factory: Chaos Among Workers, Major Call Declared; Fire Brigade on Site
A massive fire erupted at the Gopal Namkeen factory located in Metoda GIDC, Rajkot, causing widespread panic. According to the company’s manager, the factory usually has 400-500 workers present daily. However, since it was a Wednesday holiday, the number of workers present was significantly lower than usual.
As of now, there is no information on whether anyone is trapped inside the premises. Thick plumes of smoke can be seen from as far as 1 kilometer away, and large crowds have gathered in the area surrounding the factory.
In response to the fire, a “Major Call” alert was issued, prompting fire teams from Rajkot and nearby talukas to rush to the scene. Additionally, private tankers have also been deployed to assist in controlling the blaze.
Fire Engulfs Five-Story Production Unit of Gopal Namkeen in Rajkot’s Metoda GIDC
The Gopal Namkeen production unit in Metoda GIDC, Rajkot, is a five-story building where a massive fire broke out in the snack manufacturing section. For the past two hours, continuous efforts have been underway to extinguish the blaze, with water jets being deployed relentlessly.
Along with the firefighters, employees of Gopal Namkeen are also assisting in the efforts to bring the fire under control. Firefighters are breaking glass windows and spraying water from all directions in an attempt to contain the flames.
Despite two hours of intense firefighting, the fire remains uncontrolled and continues to grow in intensity. Given the magnitude of the blaze, it is expected to take more time to bring it under control. At this stage, it is difficult to predict when the fire will be completely extinguished.
Rajkot Fire Brigade Reaches the Scene to Combat Blaze
Upon receiving information about the fire, the Rajkot Fire Brigade promptly arrived at the scene and began efforts to control the blaze. However, the fire appears to have intensified due to the large quantity of boxes and plastic bags stored in the factory.
The fire brigade is currently working tirelessly to bring the situation under control, but the challenging conditions are making the task more difficult.
No Information Yet on Workers Being Trapped – Manager
The manager of Gopal Namkeen stated that their company typically has 400-500 workers present daily. He added that the fire brigade team is actively working to control the fire. However, as of now, there is no information about anyone being trapped inside the factory.
Fire Intensified Due to Cardboard, Plastic, and Oil
The factory, which produces and packs items like wafers, fryums, and papads, houses a significant stock of cardboard boxes, oil, and plastic materials. These highly flammable items are believed to have caused the fire to escalate rapidly within minutes. However, the exact cause of the fire will be determined only after a thorough investigation.
Fire at Gopal Namkeen Factory Likely Caused by Short Circuit: Metoda GIDC President
Narendrasinh Jadeja, President of Metoda GIDC, stated that a fire broke out at the Gopal Namkeen factory around 2 PM today. Preliminary findings suggest that a short circuit may have caused the fire. The factory had fire safety equipment installed, but the intensity of the blaze necessitated a “Major Call” situation.
Although it took some time for fire brigades from Kalavad to arrive, Rajkot Municipal Corporation’s fire department immediately dispatched a vehicle, followed by three more fire engines upon identifying the severity of the situation.
Currently, eight fire engines are working tirelessly, using continuous water jets to control the fire. The situation appears to be improving, and no casualties have been reported so far.
Private Water Tankers Deployed to Control the Fire
As the fire at the factory escalated, a “Major Call” was declared. Firefighting teams from Rajkot and nearby talukas rushed to the site. However, due to the intensity of the blaze, private water tankers were also brought in to assist, and continuous water jets are being used to contain the fire.
Gopal Namkeen: From Humble Beginnings to a ₹500 Crore Annual Turnover
Founded in 1994 with a modest ₹12,000 worth of borrowed raw materials, Bipinbhai Hadwani’s Gopal Namkeen has grown into a business with an annual turnover exceeding ₹500 crore. Originally from Bhadra village in Jamkandorna taluka, Bipinbhai started his entrepreneurial journey in 1984, helping his father and brothers run a farsan shop in their village.
In 1990, he moved to Rajkot and began a partnership business under the “Ganesh” brand with an initial investment of ₹8,500, selling snacks like sev, gathiya, dalmoth, roasted gram, and peas. After the partnership dissolved, Bipinbhai started his own brand, “Gopal,” in 1994 with the support of his wife Dakshaben and his sister and brother-in-law.
Operating from their residence on Nanamava Road, they began with borrowed ingredients like gram flour, oil, and spices, and supplied products to vendors on bicycles. Within two years, the business stabilized, and after four years of operating from home, Bipinbhai set up a factory in Haripar, marking the beginning of Gopal Namkeen’s significant growth.
Today, Gopal Namkeen operates from a state-of-the-art automated plant spread across 20,000 square meters and offers a diverse product range. The journey from selling a couple of products to building a vast portfolio has been remarkable. Recently, Gopal Snacks was also listed on the stock market, further cementing its reputation as an industry leader.
