Bhubaneswar: Two persons died while undergoing treatment and five others sustained injuries after a massive fire broke out at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Bhadrak district on Tuesday.
The incident took place at Haladiha Bypass on Chandbali Road under Bhadrak Rural police station.
The deceased have been identified as SK Musharraf (12) and Rato Bibi (40), both residents of Haladiha Bypass under Puruna Bazar Police station limits.
According to reports, a loud explosion occurred while fireworks were being manufactured at the unit, reducing the structure to rubble. The fire rapidly spread across the premises following the blast, leaving seven persons critically injured.
The injured were initially rushed to the Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital (DHH). As their condition deteriorated, they were referred to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. SK Musharraf and Rato Bibi later succumbed to their injuries during treatment. The condition of the remaining injured is reported to be stable, though they remain under medical observation.
Firefighting teams reached the site promptly and brought the blaze under control.
“We have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the fire,” said Dayanidhi Das, Inspector-in-Charge of Bhadrak Rural Police Station.