A powerful explosion ripped through a residential area in Odisha’s capital on Tuesday, injuring five people seriously during illegal firecracker manufacturing on the rooftop of a five-storey building.
The incident occurred in Azad Nagar under the Airfield police station limits in Sundarpada. Police said the blast happened due to carelessness while filling firecrackers illegally. Among the injured are three women, with two in critical admitted to Capital Hospital for treatment. The others are also receiving medical care, and their conditions are reported as stable.
Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena visited the blast site shortly after the incident. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the illegal activity, focusing on identifying those involved in the manufacturing.
Locals reported hearing an extremely loud blast and alleged ongoing illegal firecracker production in the area. Fire services and police teams rushed to the scene, controlled the situation, rescued the injured, and transported them to the hospital.
Residents have demanded strict action against such activities. DCP Meena assured that a thorough probe is underway and stringent measures will be taken against the culprits.
The incident has once again brought attention to the growing menace of illegal operations in densely populated urban neighbourhoods.
