Balangir: A major fire broke out at the Ordnance Factory in Badmal, under the jurisdiction of Saintala police limits in Balangir district, on Wednesday, leaving one person critically injured.
According to initial reports, the blaze originated in Unit 6 of the factory during the handling of explosive materials by an employee. The injured worker has been identified as Shivashankar Bhoi, who sustained severe burn injuries in the incident.
Bhoi was first administered treatment at the medical facility in Badmal and was later shifted to a hospital in Rourkela for advanced medical care.
The incident has raised serious concerns among local residents about the safety protocols in place at the factory. Many have called for stricter safety regulations and better monitoring systems when dealing with explosive materials.
“This incident underscores the urgent need for stringent workplace safety standards and continuous oversight, especially in high-risk sectors like armament manufacturing,” said a local resident.