A Diwali celebration in Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati area turned fatal when a 16-year-old girl was hit on the head by an iron pipe used to light firecrackers. The incident occurred late on October 21 near Patel Dairy Parlour in the Chainpur locality, claiming the life of Heena Purohit, a Class 11 student.

Celebration Turns into Chaos

Heena had stepped out with her family and friends to enjoy Diwali festivities when the accident took place. Around midnight, a sudden explosion startled the crowd. Moments later, Heena collapsed with a severe head injury. She was rushed to a private hospital and later shifted to Sola Civil Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries the next evening.

How the Accident Happened

According to police, three boys, a 19-year-old identified as Neel Hirenbhai Rami and two minors were experimenting with fireworks by inserting them into a metal pipe wedged between stones. When the pipe toppled and the firecracker ignited, it shot upward with immense force, striking Heena, who was standing nearby with a friend.

Inspector Yuvrajsinh Vaghela from Sabarmati Police said the act was entirely careless.

“The youths were playing with firecrackers inside an iron pipe. When it fell, the explosion propelled it toward the girl, causing her fatal injuries,” he confirmed.

CCTV Evidence and Arrests

After learning details from Heena’s friend Manya, her father, Mineshbhai Purohit, checked nearby CCTV footage to trace what had happened. Footage from a local building showed the trio filling the pipe, placing it between stones, and lighting the fuse moments before it flew off. Based on the video evidence, police registered an FIR under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for negligent acts leading to death and detained all three accused.

Purohit, in his complaint, said, “They were bursting firecrackers carelessly and negligently, using iron pipes that had already been scorched from repeated use.”

Shock and Outrage in the Community

The tragedy has left residents of Chainpur shaken. Many have voiced anger over the unsafe use of makeshift devices during festive celebrations. “These modified fireworks are unpredictable and can turn deadly within seconds,” said a police official involved in the probe.

The case has reignited calls for stronger public awareness and stricter regulation on the use of dangerous materials during festivals. Locals held a small candle vigil in memory of Heena, mourning the young life lost to recklessness.