In a distressing incident at a temple in Sundargarh, Odisha, three persons suffered injuries after a gas balloon exploded on Sunday. The helium-filled balloon, initially flown in front of Govt College, Sundargarh, as part of a celebration, was later brought to the temple premises for another flight.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Explosion
On Sunday, devotees at the temple observed that the balloon had lost much of its gas and decided to lower it. Basant Kumar Patnaik and Bibhuti Bhusan Mohanty were in the process of refilling the balloon when it suddenly exploded and caught fire. The blast resulted in burn injuries to Patnaik, Mohanty, and Pandu Charan Pradhan.
Immediate Medical Response and Hospitalization
The injured individuals were promptly rushed to the district headquarters hospital in Sundargarh for initial treatment. Due to the severity of their burns, they were later transferred to the Govt Medical College & Hospital in Sundargarh for more specialized care. Subsequently, Patnaik and Mohanty were shifted to Ispat General Hospital for further medical attention.
As of the latest updates, one of the victims has been discharged from the hospital, indicating some recovery. However, Pradhan's condition necessitated a transfer to AIIMS Bhubaneswar, highlighting the serious nature of the injuries sustained in the explosion.
Police Investigation and Lack of FIR
Local authorities from the Town police have reported that no First Information Report (FIR) has been filed in connection with this incident. This absence of an official complaint raises questions about the circumstances surrounding the balloon's handling and the safety protocols followed during the refilling process.
The explosion serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards associated with gas-filled balloons, especially in crowded or religious settings. It underscores the importance of adhering to safety guidelines and proper handling procedures to prevent such accidents in the future.
