Tragic Firecracker Blast in Odisha Claims Four Lives, Including Teenager
In a heartbreaking development, the death toll from the April 3 firecracker explosion in Korada village, Nayagarh district, has risen to four. Three more individuals succumbed to their burn injuries on Wednesday, adding to the tragedy that has shaken the region.
Victims Identified in the Devastating Incident
The deceased have been identified as Hadibandhu Sethi (58), the owner of the illegally operated firecracker unit; Bapuni Nahak (38), a resident of Minagadia village; and Amit Sethi (15), a native of Gereda village near Bhanjanagar in Ganjam district. Amit was staying at his brother-in-law's house in Nayagarh for his studies when the tragedy struck.
This follows the earlier death of Babu Nahak (35) from Minaguda village, who passed away at AIIMS, Bhubaneswar on April 4, just one day after the initial explosion.
Illegal Manufacturing for Festival Preparations
The explosion occurred while six people were illegally manufacturing firecrackers in a house at Korada village under Nuagaon police station limits. They were preparing fireworks for upcoming festivals including Lanka Podi on April 7 and Hanuman Jayanti on April 14.
Police and fire personnel, assisted by local residents, rushed the injured to a nearby hospital. From there, they were referred to AIIMS, Bhubaneswar and SCB Medical College in Cuttack for specialized treatment. The explosion was so powerful that it caused significant damage to the house itself.
Critical Condition of Survivors
Two other individuals injured in the blast are currently battling for their lives at AIIMS, Bhubaneswar. Their condition remains critical as medical teams work tirelessly to save them.
Police Investigation and Arrests
Rashmi Ranjan Sahoo, inspector-in-charge of Nuagaon police station, confirmed that authorities have arrested four people in connection with the incident. The arrests include the house owner and suppliers of explosives illegally provided to Hadibandhu for firecracker preparation.
The arrested individuals include:
- Ramesh Sethi (55) and his wife Kuni Dei (50), brother of Hadibandhu, for allowing their house to be used for illegal firecracker manufacturing
- Nirmal Prasad Rao and Bamadeb Dora of Khurda district for illegally supplying explosives to the operation
Police seized substantial quantities of firecrackers and raw materials from the house during their investigation. Preliminary inquiries have confirmed that the victims were manufacturing firecrackers without any valid license, while the accused from Khurda district supplied the explosives illegally.
This tragic incident highlights the dangers of illegal firecracker manufacturing, particularly as festival seasons approach. Authorities continue to investigate the full extent of the illegal operation while families mourn their devastating losses.
