Odisha: 3 dead, 30 devotees injured in cracker explosion

BHUBANESWAR: Three persons, including a minor boy, and 30 devotees sustained burn injuries after fireworks exploded during the 'Chapa Khela' ritual of the Holy Trinity — Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra — in Narendra Puskarini, a pond, as part of the Chandan Yatra in Puri on Wednesday.

According to doctors treating the injured, the conditions of several individuals are critical. Sources reported that fireworks were set off as part of the Chapa Khela, or boating ritual of the deities, on the Devi Ghat side of the pond. Splinters from the initial explosion ignited a stockpile of reserved fireworks, resulting in a massive explosion and fire that engulfed the entire area. Devotees, who had gathered to witness the ritual, fled in panic, but many were caught in the flames.

All the injured were initially admitted to the Puri District Headquarters Hospital. Due to the lack of a burn unit, they were later transferred to various hospitals in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar. Sources indicated that the death toll might rise, as many of the injured have suffered burns exceeding 90 per cent of their bodies.

Amidst the chaos, an eyewitness recounted, “The condition of about six people is critical. I saw one child whose hand was badly burnt.” Another local resident said, "There were no fire safety measures in place for the fireworks. We managed to rescue some people from the pond."

Locals have alleged that due to a shortage of doctors, some patients were referred to hospitals in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar. It was reported that over 18 critical patients were transferred to SCB Medical College in Cuttack and Hi-Tech Medical College in Bhubaneswar.

Puri Superintendent of Police Pinak Mishra stated, “Our first priority is shifting the patients to hospitals. Patients are being transferred, and the burn unit of SCB has been contacted for treatment.”

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed his sorrow over the incident. On his social media account, he wrote, "Sorry to hear about the accident near Puri Narendra pond. The Chief Secretary and the district administration have been directed to ensure proper treatment of the injured and monitor their treatment. All medical expenses of the injured will be covered by the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. Wishing everyone a speedy recovery."