Bhubaneswar: Diwali celebrations turned tragic in Rourkela after a firecracker explosion claimed the life of a minor boy in front of his sister.
The incident took place at around 9 pm on Sunday at Koushalya Nagar under Raghunathpali Police Station.
The deceased has been identified as Chinmay Sahu, a Class VIII student.
According to information, a teacher had invited some children to his house for a feast on the occasion of Diwali. After having food, Chinmay was returning home with his sister and another friend. When they were close to their home near a junction, a firecracker suddenly exploded. Chinmay sustained critical injuries in the blast. Locals immediately rushed him to the Rourkela Government Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. His sister and his friend who were with him had a narrow escape.
Preliminary investigation suggests that the firecracker contained glass particles.
Raghunathpali police have started an investigation into the incident. The mishap has cast a pall of gloom over the entire area amidst the festive cheer of Diwali.
