A major fire broke out in a firecrackers godown at Brahmakundi village under Nimapara police limits of Puri district on Thursday.
The blaze in the godown belonged to one Baidhar Nayak started at 11.45 am today. Though no loss of life or injury was reported in the fire incident, it triggered panic in the locality.
According to sources, some workers were preparing firecrackers near the godown located near canal bridge of Brahmakundi when they heard the explosion in the factory. Due to stock of firecrackers, the fire engulfed the godown in no time and triggered huge blast.
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The repeated blasts triggered panic among the locals. The explosions were so severe that the noise was heard from 5 km away, sources said.
Raghunandan Patra, a local resident said, “Some firecrackers were stored in the factory while workers were preparing crackers near it. We do not know whether the fire started due to heat or any other sources. The explosions were so severe that thick black smoke filled the area. The nearby areas were shaken as if there was an earthquake.”
On being called by the owner, fire services personnel rushed to the spot. Five teams of fire-fighters struggled for several hours to bring the flame under control. However, the godown was completely gutted in the blaze.
Nimapara sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) visited the stop and launched a probe into the matter.
“As per our preliminary investigation, Baidhar Nayak had stored the firecrackers in the factory and fire started today which triggered explosion. No one is injured in the incident. We are trying to find out the cause of the fire,” SDPO Debasish Mishra said.