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An explosion at Kumarabasta Mangaraj Sahi in the industrial estate of Khordha district left three children critically injured on Thursday. Police are yet to confirm whether the blast resulted from fireworks or a bomb.
Also Read: ‘Illegal firecracker’ explosion leaves 2 dead, 2 injured in Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur
According to sources, the family of the children had earlier purchased some firecrackers to burst during the lifting of Mahadipa (gigantic lamp) atop a local Shaivite shrine on the occasion of Maha Shivratri last night.
Some of the firecrackers were left out and were later stored at home for future use by the family. The left out firecrackers reportedly exploded this morning due to reasons not known yet leading to critical injuries.
What prima facie evidences suggest?
Usually, firecrackers would not explode unless ignited but a bomb can otherwise. It was not known if the explosives were prepared at home or purchased from outside.
“We are probing how the firecrackers were stored when children were present at home. We have collected the samples of remnants for testing, which will help ascertain whether it was of firecrackers or a bomb,” a senior cop expressed.
Two of the injured were rescued by some locals and have been transferred to Bhubaneswar for emergency medical attention, while the third remains under care in Khordha.
The fatal incident has sparked concern among local residents as investigations continue to determine the cause of the blast.
Worth mentioning, earlier in another incident, a devastating explosion had claimed the lives of a man and his wife while another couple was left battling for life in Jagatsinghpur district, on the night of January 3. The suspected ‘firecracker blast’ led to the collapse of a house’s roof and walls, killing the two while two others had sustained grievous injuries.
Must Read: Deaths due to firecracker explosion: Police raid Jagatsinghpur village; huge cache of gunpowder seized
The deceased were identified as Rajesh Das and his wife Rani Das, residents of Badabagh village. Those injured in the blast were identified as the deceased Rajesh's younger brother Paresh Das and his wife Lakshmipriya Das.
