A new development has emerged in the firecracker explosion linked to Bhogi Podi festival celebrations in Odisha’s Rayagada district. Contrary to earlier reports that placed the incident at the festival venue, fresh information indicates that the blast occurred inside a residential house where firecrackers were allegedly being prepared.
The powerful explosion left several people with serious burn injuries and triggered panic in the locality. Residents rushed to the spot to assist the injured. According to sources, one person lost an eye in the blast, while another injured individual, identified as Hawildar Krushna Chandra Bag, sustained critical injuries to his palm.
All the injured were initially taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition. As their health deteriorated, four of the severely injured victims were later shifted to Visakhapatnam for advanced medical treatment.
Police have launched a detailed investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the explosion and to determine whether fire safety norms were violated. Further details are expected once the investigation report is completed.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident in Odisha’s Bolangir district, an eight-year-old boy reportedly lost his eye after a freebie toy found inside a chips packet exploded. The child allegedly threw the lighter-like object into a fire, unaware of the danger, leading to the tragic incident.
