On Wednesday night, fifteen individuals suffered burn injuries following a firecracker explosion at the Lord Jagannath Chandan Jatra festival in Puri, Odisha. The mishap occurred as hundreds of people gathered along the banks of Narendra Pushkarinee, a local waterbody, to observe the festival’s rituals.The explosion happened when a group of devotees celebrating with firecrackers accidentally ignited a heap of them. A splinter from the burning crackers caused the heap to explode, scattering burning debris into the crowd. Many attendees, in a bid to escape the flames, jumped into the waterbody.Emergency responders swiftly transported the injured to the district hospital. According to a hospital doctor, four of the injured are in critical condition and are receiving intensive care.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed his sorrow over the tragic incident. He instructed officials to ensure that the injured receive comprehensive medical treatment and announced that the expenses for their care would be covered by the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.This incident has cast a shadow over the festival, which is a significant event in the region, drawing large crowds every year. The local authorities are likely to review safety protocols to prevent such accidents in the future, ensuring a safer environment for festival-goers.