Even as people across Odisha are engrossed in religious ardour and celebrating the festival of lights, a couple of fire accidents related to crackers dampened the Diwali fete in few parts of the state.
In the first incident, a man died while three others are battling for life with critical burn injuries following an explosion at a cracker shop in Badasuanlo village under Kamakhyanagar police limits in Dhenkanal district.
Among the injured were a minor boy and a girl. The incident occurred when the crackers caught fire that led to the explosion.
All the injured were rescued in a critical condition and rushed to the local hospital. After preliminary treatment, three were shifted to Cuttack-based SCB Medical College and Hospital for better treatment after their conditions worsened.
However, one of the injured succumbed to the burn injuries during treatment. The incident spread a pall of gloom in the village.
Meanwhile, a team of fire-fighters rushed to the village and doused the flames.
Similarly, a massive fire broke out at a cloth store in Nayasarak, Cuttack. Sources attributed the fire breakout to stray fire crackers as many youths were bursting crackers in the area.
On being informed, two team of fire personnel rushed to the spot. Efforts are on to extinguish the blaze.
On the other hand, as many as 50 platoons of police force and 300 senior police officers were deployed across Cuttack city to ensure law and order during Kalipuja and Diwali. A joint team of police and Odisha State Pollution Control Board went around the city to ensure strict adherence of directions.
People in the twin cities were directed to remain careful while bursting crackers in between 8 pm to 10 pm.