Firecracker blast in Cuttack leaves three critical; Probe underway

In a disturbing incident, a firecracker explosion in Mahajanpur village under Jagatpur police limits in Cuttack left three members of a family critically injured on Thursday. The injured have been admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital for further treatment, officials said.

According to preliminary information, Govinda Nayak had stored firecrackers at his residence. The blast reportedly occurred while additional crackers were being prepared inside the house, triggering a powerful explosion that sent shockwaves through the locality.

House Partially Gutted

The impact of the explosion severely damaged two rooms of the house. Govinda Nayak’s wife, daughter-in-law and granddaughter sustained serious injuries in the incident. The sudden blast created panic in the neighbourhood, with residents rushing out of their homes after hearing the loud explosion.

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Investigation in Progress

Jagatpur police have launched an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the explosion, amid rising concerns over the unsafe storage and handling of firecrackers in residential areas.

The incident comes close on the heels of a similar explosion reported on January 27 in the Azad Nagar area of Sundarpada. In that case, alleged history-sheeter Sehanbaz Mallik later died during treatment, while his mother also succumbed to injuries before her statement could be recorded.

Sources had indicated that explosive materials were allegedly being handled on a rooftop when that blast occurred. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has since intensified its probe. While initial reports suggested traces of RDX, the State Forensic Science Laboratory later found no evidence of RDX residue.