Nayagarh: At least six people, including a minor, were critically injured in a powerful explosion that occurred while preparing firecrackers at Korada village under Nuagaon police limits in Nayagarh district, ahead of the upcoming Ravan Podi festival.
The injured were initially rushed to the Nayagarh District Headquarters Hospital by Fire services personnel. With over 70 per cent burn injuries reported in several cases, all victims were later shifted to the burn wards of Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar and SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack through 108 ambulance services.
According to relatives, the affected family had been engaged in firecracker manufacturing for more than 15 years. The mishap reportedly took place when gunpowder was being filled into locally made ‘Kumpi’ firecrackers, triggering a sudden blaze that engulfed those present.
Fire brigade personnel from Nuagaon reached the spot promptly and evacuated the injured to the hospital.
Police have launched a detailed investigation into the incident on the directions of the Nayagarh Superintendent of Police. Officials said the probe will examine multiple aspects, including licensing, the number of persons involved, and the duration of such manufacturing activities. The Additional SP confirmed that all possible angles are being looked into.
The incident has revived memories of a similar tragedy in 2016 in Itamati area of the district, where 13 people had lost their lives in a firecracker explosion.
