Jajpur: One person was killed and another injured during an explosion while preparing firecrackers in Shalapada village under Bairi police station limits of Jajpur district today afternoon.

The deceased has been identified as Khageswara Mallick of Shalapada village. When Khageswara and another person, whose identity is yet to be known, were preparing fire crackers at a house, the explosion took place. The intensity of the blast was so powerful that the thatched house was completely gutted.

After hearing the loud explosion, villagers reached the spot and rescued Khageswara and his associate in critical condition from the damaged house.

The injured were rushed to the Barachana Community Health Centre where doctors declared Khageswara dead. The other injured was shifted to the SCB Medical College and Hospital after his condition deteriorated.

As per latest reports, DSP Deepak Kumar Gochhayat and Sub Inspector of Bairi Police Station reached the spot and began investigation.