Odisha: 6 killed in Balasore's illegal firecracker factory explosion
In a tragic incident on the Diwali eve, six persons have been killed while six others were gravely injured in a massive explosion at an illegal firecracker manufacturing unit in a village in Odisha's Balasore district. Police said the unlicensed factory was being run by a man, whose condition is yet to be confirmed while his son has died in the mishap.
Fire brigade reached the spot within 15 minutes: Sources
Director General of Police (DGP) Rajendra Prasad Sharma said the Balasore District Superintendent of Police has reached the spot. Police have recovered dead bodies of five people, including a minor, so far. Sources said the fire brigade personnel were informed after the explosion; the injured were rushed to a local hospital. Meanwhile, cops also said the casualty numbers may go up.
DGP Rajendra Prasad Sharma's statement
DGP Sharma stated: "We are trying to find out the circumstances, leading to the explosion. Prima facie, it was found that around 12 persons were preparing explosives in the manufacturing unit when the crackers went off."
Fire accidents at other places ahead of Diwali
In Odisha's Rourkela, one person was killed and several others injured after a massive fire broke out at firecracker shops during the early hours today. Later, one person died while four lost their eyesight in an explosion at a cracker factory in Pipli in Odisha's Puri district. DGP Sharma asked all district collectors and SPs to coordinate and ensure emergency arrangements at hospitals.
