Khurda: One person was killed and three others were critically injured after a powerful explosion at an illegal firecracker manufacturing unit in Odisha’s Khurda district.
As per information, the explosion took place at Narisho village under the jurisdiction of Balipatna police station on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar late on Tuesday night. The blast was so powerful that the manufacturing unit was razed to ground under its impact.
The deceased has been identified as Abhina Kandi. The injured, identified as Muna Bhoi, Pramod Sahu, and Ramesh Tiwadi, are undergoing treatment in hospital and their condition was stated to be critical.
The blast occurred when firecracker was allegedly being made at the illegal unit and the sound was heard several kilometres away, triggering panic among people in nearby villages.
On being informed, a police team reached the spot and cordoned off the area. Fire service personnel were pressed into service to control the fire.
The injured were initially taken to a health centre at Niali for treatment and subsequently referred to a hospital in Cuttack for advanced care due to the severity of their injuries.
Police have launched an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the explosion and to determine who was operating the illegal firecracker unit. Officials are also examining possible violations of safety norms and explosives regulations.
The incident has raised serious concerns over the operation of illegal firecracker factories in residential and semi-rural areas, posing grave risks to lives and property.
