At least nine people were killed and 15 others were injured after a massive explosion ripped through an alleged illegal fireworks factory in India, sending shockwaves for miles and leaving a trail of burned wreckage behind.

The deadly blast happened around 3 p.m. local time on Saturday, July 18, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, after fire officials received reports of an explosion coming from a makeshift shed, according to The New Indian Express, Bhaskar English and NDTV.

What investigators found was horrifying.

Authorities said fireworks were being manufactured in an open area, even though the factory operator’s license had reportedly already been canceled.

“The license issued to the operator had already been cancelled. Despite this, the firecracker unit continued functioning illegally,” Commissioner of Police Jaipal Singh Rathod said, according to The New Indian Express.

Rathod said eight bodies were initially recovered from the scene as police, fire crews and RAF personnel rushed into rescue operations. The death toll later rose to nine, with 15 others injured in the explosion.

The injured were taken to Civil Hospital and LG Hospital in Maninagar for treatment, NDTV reported.

The force of the explosion was so powerful that its impact was felt as far as five kilometers away, according to The New Indian Express and Bhaskar English. Nearby buildings were damaged, surrounding crops were scorched, and thick black smoke could be seen rising from the devastated site.

Footage from the aftermath showed emergency crews carrying injured victims on stretchers while others searched through the debris for bodies.

Police have since detained factory owner Mehul Dodiya for questioning. Authorities are also expected to question his factory partner, Sadiq Saiyed, as well as his mother, Ramilaben Dodiya, who has been described as a factory operator, according to the outlets.

The group is accused of running the fireworks manufacturing operation without a valid permit on rented land.

According to Ramol Police records cited by The New Indian Express and Bhaskar English, Mehul allegedly continued operating the factory even after his license to manufacture fireworks had been canceled.

Police are now registering the case under India’s Explosives Act.

“Everyone involved — the factory operator, property owner, partners and any other persons connected with the illegal operation — will be arrested and prosecuted,” Crime Branch Joint Commissioner of Police Sharad Singhal told The New Indian Express.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to the tragedy in a statement, saying he was “extremely saddened” by the loss of life.

“My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief,” Modi said, according to NDTV. “Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

He added that local officials were providing assistance to those affected and announced that the families of those killed would receive Rs. 50,000, or about $520, in compensation.

The Ramol Police have launched an investigation into the blast.