Woman, son critical after explosion at illegal firecracker manufacturing unit in Odisha's Jaleswar

A woman and her son sustained critical injuries in a firecracker explosion at Salikotha village under Jaleswar police limits in Odisha's Balasore district on Friday night.

According to reports, the blast occurred while illegal firecracker manufacturing was underway ahead of Diwali celebrations. Both victims suffered severe burn injuries and were rushed to a local hospital before being shifted to Balasore for advanced treatment.

According to reports, firecracker traders had supplied raw materials to a woman in Salikotha village to prepare firecrackers. During the process, her son carelessly lit a mosquito coil, which caused a sudden explosion. Both the mother and son sustained critical injuries in the blast. They were initially admitted to the Jaleswar Community Health Centre (CHC) and later shifted to the Balasore District Headquarters Hospital (DHH).

Village Known For Rampant Illegal Units

The village is reportedly a hub of illegal firecracker manufacturing. In September,  police arrested an individual who owned one of these units. Despite regular patrolling by police, several unauthorised firecracker units continue to function secretly in the area. 

It is reported that local traders purchase raw materials from West Bengal and smuggle them into Odisha. They then recruit people with low income, promising them better pay, and engage them in illegal firecracker production. They are reportedly paid Rs 20 for every 100 firecrackers they make.

Police Launch Search For Traders Involved

As per reports, police officials are on the lookout for the owner who is absconding after the incident.

Such multiple incidents have been reported from various regions of Odisha recently, highlighting the grim reality of how financially vulnerable individuals are drawn into illegal activities and exploited in the process.