Indus Valley Times

Bhubaneswar, Nov. 1: Diwali celebrations turned tragic in Odisha on Thursday as three people lost their lives and over a dozen others were injured in separate firecracker-related incidents across the state. The mishaps also caused extensive property damage, with losses amounting to lakhs of rupees.

In Puri, a youth succumbed to injuries sustained while bursting firecrackers. Three individuals, including a woman from Batagaon under Sadar police jurisdiction in Puri, suffered severe injuries in a firecracker mishap. All were initially treated at the Puri District Headquarters Hospital (DHH), but one youth’s condition worsened and he was transferred to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, where he later passed away.

The two other injured individuals were transferred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where they remain in critical condition.

Similar incidents were reported in Bhubaneswar, with several people injured while celebrating with firecrackers. At least 15 people were admitted to the Capital Hospital for treatment, and reports indicate that the number is still rising.

Another incident in Rayagada saw a stationary store engulfed in flames after catching fire from nearby firecrackers. The store, which sold petrol in bottles, was reduced to ashes, causing significant property loss.

In Balasore district, eight individuals—most of them young children—sustained injuries while setting off firecrackers. All were admitted to the Balasore Hospital for treatment.

In a separate tragic report from Puri on Friday, two individuals were killed when explosives stored in an illegal firecracker manufacturing unit exploded. One person died at the scene, while another succumbed to injuries later at SCB Medical College in Cuttack.

In Bhubaneswar, several shops in Unit-1 underground market gutted on Thursday night. The flame was extinguished by Fire Services personnel. Probe was on to ascertain if the fire was caused by cracker bursting or it was a case of short-circuit.

-DC