Odisha: 6 killed, 20 injured in a blast at illegal firecracker factory in Balasore

At least six persons were killed and at least 20 others have suffered serious injuries in an explosion at an illegal firecracker factory in Odisha’s Balasore district on Wednesday evening.

According to locals the numbers could up as several people are likely to be trapped under the debris of the house.

A local police officer not authorised to talk to the media said, “Rescue operations are going on but is slow due to heavy rains.”

Pramod Kumar Das, Balasore district collector said, “A huge explosion took place around  4pm in the evening at a house. We learnt that firecrackers were being made in the house.”

He added that personnel engaged in the rescue operation have recovered six bodies.

“Firecrackers were being illegally made,” added the district collector.

Seven people have been shifted to SCB Medical College Hospital in Cuttack for better treatment, while two are being treated at a local district official.

Also read: Jharkhand: 6 killed, 4 injured after illegal firecracker factory blows up in Jamshedpur

According to an local police official the impact of the explosion was so severe that the room it was being made blew off.

He added due to the explosion the bodies were badly mutilated and were difficult to recognise.  

Four fire tenders were pressed into service by the district officials to extinguish and control the blaze from spreading.

(With PTI inputs)