Kendrapara: An elderly woman sustained grievous injuries after a powerful explosion, suspected to be linked to the illegal storage and trading of firecrackers, rocked Oster village under Teragaon Panchayat in Kendrapara district on Thursday afternoon.
The injured woman, identified as Bilasi Mallik, was reportedly eating inside the house when the explosion occurred at around 3 pm. She suffered severe burn injuries and was rushed to the Kendrapara District Headquarters Hospital, where she is undergoing treatment.
The blast occurred at the residence of Adikanda Malik and was followed by a fire that engulfed two thatched houses. Local residents said the explosion was so intense that people were unable to approach the spot immediately after the incident.
Villagers alleged that Adikanda Mallik’s family had been engaged in the illegal firecracker business for a long time. The exact cause of the explosion, however, remains unknown.
Upon receiving information, a fire brigade team from Marshaghai rushed to the village and brought the blaze under control after considerable effort.
Marshaghai police reached the scene and launched an investigation into the incident. Inspector-in-Charge Tapan Kumar Nayak was present at the spot to oversee the inquiry.
Authorities are yet to ascertain the quantity of firecrackers stored at the house and the circumstances that led to the explosion. Further investigation is underway.
