Odisha: Massive explosion in illegal firecracker factory kills 8

A massive explosion at an illegal firecracker factory in Odisha's Balasore district has killed at least eight so far. Having killed six people on the spot yesterday, two more victims succumbed to their injuries today.

Reports have it that the explosion had left over 20 injured. Some were shifted to Sriram Chandra Bhanj (SCB) Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, of whom, two died today.

"Two persons with critical burn died during treatment," said Professor Shyama Kanungo, the superintendent of SCB Medical College and Hospital.

The surviving five burn victims are said to be in highly critical condition. Kanungo said a medical board comprising of specialists from different departments, including surgery and plastic surgery, has been formed to ensure proper treatment for the injured.

In the aftermath of the explosion, DGP RP Sharma has suspended Santosh Behera, the inspector in-charge of Bahabalapur marine police station, for dereliction of duty.

THE EXPLOSION

The explosion took place last evening during the making of firecrackers at the factory in Bahabalpur, which is around 12km from the



district headquarters town of Balasore.

Locals said the impact of the explosion was so severe that the factory blew up and suffered extensive damage. Most of the bodies were severely burnt and difficult to identify.

Police said the exact cause of the incident would be ascertained after the investigation."The crackers were being made in an unauthorised manner without any legal license," said Balasore district collector, Pramod Kumar Das.

RS 2 LAKH EX-GRATIA FOR THE FAMILIES

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has announced Rs 2 lakh each as ex-gratia for the families of those killed in the explosion.

He said Rs 50,000 would be given as assistance to those who suffered critical injuries and free medical treatment would be provided to all injured persons.

Terming the incident as unfortunate, Patnaik ordered stringent action against those responsible for the explosion.

An inquiry into the incident has been launched and police personnel, fire brigade and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Froce (ODRAF) were present at the site. Forensic experts were also being sent to the spot, police said.