More than 40 people sustained burn injuries in a firecracker mishap near Balia bazar under Sadar Police Station in Kendrapara district on Wednesday.
Out of the injured, 30 persons have reportedly sustained critical injuries.
As per reports, the mishap occurred during a firecracker competition undertaken at the immersion venue at Balia bazaar.
Sources said, the firecracker stock caught fire and burst injuring all the people standing nearby.
All the injured have been rushed to Kendrapara hospital.
Speaking about the injuries, a doctor at the Kendrapara DHH said, "There are many injured in this accident. We are treating them here at the hospital. However, seriously injured persons have been referred to SCB Hospital in Cuttack and being sent in ambulances as we speak."
Town Police station IIC said, "We brought all the injured to the DHH for preliminary treatment. And almost all have been refferred to Cuttack."
Senior Congress leader, Ganeswar Behera, who was at the spot said, "I pray before the God to cure all the injured as soon as possible. And I demand Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to declare compensation and bear all the expenses for treatment of the injured from state exchequer."