The death toll in the tragic cracker explosion during Chandan Yatra in Puri rose to six after two more persons succumbed to their injuries on Friday.
Several devotees had sustained burn injuries after crackers exploded during ‘Chapa Khela' of the Trinity in Narendra pond as part of Chandan Yatra in Puri on May 29, 2024.
Also Read: Cracker explosion during Chandan Yatra in Puri: 3 dead, over 30 injured; several devotees critical
The incident occurred when sparkles from exploded crackers fell on a pile of crackers on the Devi ghat side of the pond. Scores of devotees gathered there to watch the water sports in the holy pond. Many devotees jumped into the pond to save their lives.
The office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) today informed that the Puri Collector has taken steps for payment of Rs 4 lakh each towards ex-gratia assistance to the next of kin of the deceased persons.
At present, 24 patients are undergoing treatment in different hospitals of the state and the state government is monitoring the situation, the SRC office said in a release.