25 injured in firecracker explosion at Odisha’s Puri town

Bhubaneswar: At least 25 people were injured in firecracker explosion during the Chandan Jatra of Lord Jagannath at Odisha’s Puri town today.

Hundreds of people congregated near Narendra pond in Puri to witness the Chandan Jatra.

An explosion took place while some local youths were bursting firecrackers near the pond to celebrate the occasion.

At least 25 people were injured, many of them critically, due to the explosion, said an eyewitness.

All the injured were rushed to the Puri district headquarters hospital (DHH). At least 15 injured persons were later shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, sources said.

Sources, meanwhile, claimed that the youths were bursting firecrackers without receiving any required permission from the authorities concerned.

“Huge quantities of firecrackers were kept near Narendra pond. Some youths were bursting the cracker one after another. Suddenly an explosion took place. Many people, including a few children, sustained severe burn injuries in the explosion,” said another eyewitness.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, meanwhile, directed the Chief Secretary and Puri district administration to arrange proper treatment for the injured persons.

“All expenses for the treatment of the injured persons will be met from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund,” said Patnaik.