Puri, Odisha – The death toll from a firecracker explosion in Puri town on Wednesday has increased to eight, with five individuals succumbing to their injuries on Saturday. The tragedy occurred when a stockpile of firecrackers near a pond caught fire, resulting in a devastating blast. According to officials, the victims suffered severe burn injuries, with some facing between 80-100% burns. Despite medical efforts, their conditions deteriorated, leading to their tragic deaths. Additionally, 22 others are receiving treatment at various hospitals in Puri, Bhubaneswar, and Cuttack.
The incident took place during the celebration of the Chapa Khela festival as part of Chandan Yatra, where a group of youth were setting off firecrackers near the pond. One firecracker malfunctioned and ignited the nearby stockpile, setting off a chain reaction that resulted in an explosion. The blast not only injured those setting off the firecrackers but also individuals, including children, who were nearby watching the festivities. Some onlookers, in a panic, jumped into the pond to escape the chaos.
In response to the tragedy, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has initiated an inquiry and announced financial assistance of ₹4 lakh to the families of each deceased victim. Meanwhile, two more individuals have passed away from their injuries, with several others still in critical condition. The Chief Minister has tasked the Revenue and Disaster Management Department’s Additional Chief Secretary, Satyabrata Sahu, with leading a thorough investigation into the incident. The Puri Police have also launched their own investigation, registering a criminal case to determine the cause of the explosion.
The community in Puri is reeling from the devastating event, as families mourn their loved ones and injured individuals fight for their lives. The impact of the explosion has left a lasting mark on the town, calling into question the safety measures surrounding the storage and use of firecrackers during festivities. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are working diligently to uncover the truth behind the incident and prevent similar tragedies in the future.