Kendrapara firecracker mishap: Chilling video surfaces; Collector says strong action after probe

A day after a firecracker mishap in the middle of a crowd celebrating an immersion ceremony left as many as 40 people injured, a chilling video showing how the mishap unfolded has surfaced.  

The mishap that occurred last evening during immersion procession of idol of Lord Kartikeswar at Balia bazaar has left many victims including children and women critically injured. 

As many as 33 people injured were initially treated at Kendrapara district headquarters hospital and later shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. At least nine injured have been admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). The condition of some injured with more than 50 per cent burn injuries remained critical. 

“I was sitting on a bench outside a shop when the explosion occurred. The immersion procession was on when the explosion occurred all of a sudden. It was said that fire from a cracker fell on a huge cache of firecrackers kept in a sack,” said Nityananda Behera, an injured.   

Meanwhile, a video of the incident has surfaced showing the circumstances leading to the mishap. In the video, a sea of crowd was seen dancing their heart out to DJ music. 

All of a sudden, firecrackers exploded in the middle of the crowd triggering loud sound and smoke. As the smoke filled the area, the crowd was seen running to safety.  

Speaking about the mishap, Kendrapara Collector Amrit Ruturaj said, “As per our preliminary input, the mishap triggered by firecrackers during the immersion ceremony. After the detail investigation by police and other authorities, we will initiate stringent action against those found guilty.”