Six killed, several injured in cracker factory explosion in Odisha’s Balasore

Balasore: At least six persons including a minor were killed while over a dozen injured in a massive explosion at a cracker manufacturing unit in Odisha’s Balasore district on Wednesday.

The incident occurred at the cracker factory of one Golak Pradhan in Bahabalpur village of Balasore district.

The victims have been admitted to district headquarters hospitals and SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.

Inspector General (Fire Services) Santosh Bala said the cracker unit was operating illegally without a license in the village.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced that Rs 2 lakh exgratia would be provided to the kith and kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the grievously injured persons.

He also said that the state government would bear all the expenses for the treatment of the injured persons.

The Chief Minister also directed to take strong action against the persons who are responsible for the unfortunate mishap.