Bhubaneswar: As many as two persons, who had sustained injuries in the tragic firecracker explosion incident in Odisha's Puri town, were today discharged from hospital.

As per the advice of doctors, Balaram Das, a 15-year-old boy, and Manmohan Behera (24) were discharged from the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.

Currently, 15 victims of the mishap are undergoing treatment at various hospitals.

The accident has so far claimed a total of 13 lives.

The Puri Collector has taken steps for ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh each towards next of kin of deceased persons.

More than 40 persons were injured in firecracker explosion during the Chandan Jatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri town on Wednesday night. Hundreds of people had congregated near the Narendra pond to witness the event.

An explosion took place while some local youths were bursting firecrackers near the pond to celebrate the occasion. Sources claimed that the youths were bursting firecrackers without receiving any required permission from the authorities concerned.

The injured ones were admitted to various hospitals in Puri, Bhubaneswar, and Cuttack.

Puri police have registered a case in connection with the incident.