Jagatsinghpur: At least two persons were killed and three others critically injured in a major cracker explosion in Tirtol area of Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur district on Thursday.
According to sources, the incident occurred at Mahila village under the jurisdiction of Tirtol police station when crackers stored at the house of Manoranjan Swain exploded. It was suspected that firecrackers were being prepared when the blast took place.
Locals said a loud explosion was heard from the house in the afternoon and family members were seen trying to escape. However, they sustained serious injuries in the process.
Following the blast, neighbours rushed to the spot and informed police. The injured were rescued and taken to the nearby Community Health Centre (CHC).
Doctors declared Manoranjan Swain dead at the CHC. Another injured, identified as Soumya Sahil Swain, later succumbed at the hospital. Three other injured — Subhalakshmi Swain, Bhagyalakshmi Swain and Rahul Raj Mahanta — have been shifted to Jagatsinghpur District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) for treatment. Their condition was stated to be critical.
The impact of the blast was so intense that walls of the house developed cracks and household articles were scattered.
Police said investigation is underway to ascertain whether the family was involved in cracker manufacturing and whether they had valid license for the purpose.