Khordha firecracker explosion death toll rises to 5

The death toll from the powerful explosion at an illegal firecracker manufacturing unit at Bhusandapur in Khordha district climbed to five with another victim succumbing to burn injuries during treatment on Monday.

Dolagobinda Behera, who had suffered more than 70 per cent burn injuries in the mishap on Monday, passed away while undergoing treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. 

The blast that occurred during manufacturing of firecrackers ahead of Dola Purnima had left four including a father-son duo dead on the spot yesterday.

On the other hand, three others who have also sustained serious burn injuries are currently undergoing treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar. 

As per sources, eight people were preparing firecrackers at a house located in an isolated place in view of Dola Purnima when the explosion occurred. The impact of the explosion was so severe that the house where the firecrackers were being manufactured was completely damaged.

Khordha Collector K Sudarshan Chakravarthy said the firecrackers were being made illegally without any permission. 

"We got information about 10.45 am and fire services, local police and revenue teams reached the spot immediately. We will conduct a detailed probe to find out from where they procured the raw materials and action will be taken accordingly," Chakravarthy had said.

Reported by Balaram Lenka, OTV