Boudh, Sep 21: A powerful explosion at an illegal firecracker warehouse in Jiakata-Chhatrapur village near Puruna Cuttack has left one person dead and more than eight critically injured.

The blast occurred around 11 am on Sunday inside a residential building that was reportedly being used to store and manufacture firecrackers illegally. The explosion was so intense that the house was completely destroyed, nearby shops and homes were damaged, and the sound reverberated across Puruna Cuttack city.

The deceased has been identified as Laxmidhar Behera. His body was found dismembered at the site, highlighting the severity of the blast. Emergency response teams, including police and fire services, rushed to the scene and began rescue operations. Several injured individuals have been admitted to Puruna Cuttack Medical College and Hospital in critical condition.

Local residents, enraged by the incident and demanding compensation for the damages, blocked the National Highway, causing traffic disruption.

Police have launched a full-scale investigation into the cause of the explosion and the individuals responsible for running the warehouse. Initial reports suggest negligence in handling explosive materials may have triggered the blast.

Authorities are now under pressure to crack down on unauthorized firecracker storage and manufacturing units to prevent future tragedies.