Firecracker display at religious festival ends in fatality in eastern India
by ShravyaIn a tragic incident, a firecracker display during a religious festival in eastern India’s Odisha turned fatal, resulting in multiple injuries in the fire accident.
This happened in Puri district on May 29.
Visuals showed the crackers ignite, leading to a sudden blaze that spreads to those nearby, resulting in a massive explosion. Panic ensues as people scramble in all directions to preserve their safety, with some opting to plunge into the water as a means of rescue.
According to reports three deaths have been confirmed. A minor boy succumbed to his injuries on wednesday night, and two other victims died on thursday at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar. At least 20 other injured individuals are being treated in hospitals in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, with the condition of 4 to 5 people being critical as they have sustained burns over 90% of their bodies.
The mishap took place during the ‘chapa khela’, a water sport festival involving Lord Jagannath and his siblings. The festival traditionally concludes with a firecracker display. According to police, a spark from a firework ignited stored firecrackers, causing the explosion.
“The impact of the explosion was powerful and terrifying. At first, we thought it was a bomb blast caused by lawbreakers. Everyone ran in all directions. The area was packed with people, and many were injured in the ensuing stampede,” said Harish Mohanty, an eyewitness.