Boudh: A powerful explosion occurred in a house stored with firecrackers in Jiakata-Chhatrapur village in Puruna Cuttack area of Boudh district. The blast, which happened around 11 am, caused a residential building to collapse, resulting in one death and several critical injuries.
The building was allegedly being used as an illegal firecracker godown, where firecrackers were stored and manufactured. Nearby shops and houses sustained severe damage, and villagers fled their homes in panic. Emergency teams, including police and fire department personnel, rushed to the scene to conduct rescue operations.
One person, identified as Laxmidhar Behera died in the explosion on the spot. The explosion was so powerful that the body of Behera was shattered into pieces.
Police are investigating the cause of the explosion. Efforts are being made to ensure the safety of residents and retrieve anyone trapped under the rubble.