Tragedy / Diwali turns tragic across Odisha as firecracker mishaps leave scores injured

Bhubaneswar, Nov 8: What was meant to be a night of celebration and joy turned tragic across several parts of Odisha as a series of firecracker-related accidents, fires, and explosions left dozens injured during Diwali festivities.

In Bhubaneswar, more than 40 people were reportedly injured while bursting crackers, with a majority of the victims being children. The injured were rushed to Capital Hospital, where doctors, nurses, and medical staff worked through the night to provide treatment.

Hospital authorities said the number of patients continued to rise as the celebrations progressed.

A separate incident in the capital saw a parked traveller vehicle completely gutted after a firecracker landed on it near Sai Mandir in BDA Colony. Firefighters quickly reached the spot and brought the blaze under control, but the vehicle was reduced to ashes.

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Fire Mishaps across Kataka

Kataka too witnessed several Diwali-related mishaps. More than 30 injured persons were admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital due to firecracker accidents in the city and nearby areas.

In addition, fire incidents were reported from seven locations, including Link Road, Balu Bazar, Purighat, Raghunath Jew Temple area, Gauda Sahi, Mangalabag, and Ranihat Gopal Sahi. Fire services successfully controlled the blazes, and no casualties were reported.

Cylinder Explosion

In Puri, a major fire and cylinder explosion in the Baliapanda area triggered panic. According to police, petrol leaking from a Bullet motorcycle caught fire, which subsequently spread to a nearby house.

The blaze led to a gas cylinder explosion, injuring several people. One victim reportedly sustained burn injuries to nearly 30 per cent of his body. All injured persons are undergoing treatment, while police continue their investigation into the incident.

Other Incidents

Another serious accident was reported from Kalahandi district, where a youth suffered severe injuries after a powerful firecracker exploded in his hand while he was attempting to ignite it. He was later shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital in Bhawanipatna for advanced treatment.

In Nayagada, a young woman sustained critical burn injuries after her clothes caught fire while crackers were being burst. She has been admitted to the district headquarters hospital.

Baleshwar also reported firecracker accidents, with four persons injured, including one critically.

Air Pollution

Apart from the injuries and fires, Diwali celebrations led to alarming air pollution levels in the Twin Cities.

Thick smoke engulfed several areas of Bhubaneswar and Kataka, reducing visibility and severely affecting air quality. In some locations, the Air Quality Index (AQI) reportedly crossed the 500 mark, raising concerns over public health and environmental safety.