Chemical Explodes During Boat Construction In Puri Village, One Injured

A man sustained critical injuries in a blast from a chemical used in making boats at Lakshmi Narayan Sahi in Arakhakuda Marine Police Station area of Puri district on Sunday morning.

The injured man identified as Umesh Behera was initially rushed to the Rebana Nuagaon Community Health Centre (CHC) and later shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital for better treatment. 

The health condition of Behera is stated to be critical now.

As per reports, the explosion took place at around 10 am when Behera was engaged in making the fibre boats in a room of his house.

However, while handling the chemical, a blast rocked Behera's house injuring him grievously.

 The explosion was so severe that the furniture and roof of Behera's house were blown out. 

Informed, Arakhakuda Marine Police rushed to the spot and launched a probe into the incident.

Earlier in 2018, a similar incident had taken place in which three persons had received critical injuries. One of them had even lost both his eyes in the mishap.

It may be noted that a large number of fishermen reside in Arakhakuda area and earn their livelihood by catching fish from Chilika Lake.

Meanwhile, experts have expressed concerns over the use of the explosive chemicals by unskilled people for making boats.