A devastating explosion caused by illegally stored firecrackers left a 74-year-old woman critically injured in Kendrapada district, Odisha. The incident occurred on Thursday night at Ostarahat village under Marshaghai police station, where the victim, Bilasini Mallick, was alone in her six-roomed thatched house. The force of the blast was so intense that the entire structure was completely burned down.
Firefighting and Emergency Response
Fire brigade personnel worked tirelessly for three hours to bring the blaze under control, as confirmed by Tapan Nayak, the inspector in charge of Marsaghai police station. Mallick was initially rushed to the Community Health Centre at Marshaghai, but due to her deteriorating condition, she was later transferred to the District Headquarters Hospital in Kendrapada for advanced medical care.
Illegal Manufacturing Unit
Investigations revealed that the victim's son, Gadadhar Mallick, had been stockpiling firecrackers in the house, which he had converted into an illegal manufacturing unit for fireworks. Explosive chemical substances were recovered from the site of the mishap, and samples have been dispatched for forensic testing. Authorities have registered a case under Sections 3 and 5 of the Indian Explosive Substances Act, along with relevant provisions of the BNS.
Police are actively investigating the matter, though no arrests have been made so far. Notably, Gadadhar was arrested last year on similar charges of operating an illegal cracker unit in his residence. He was not present at the time of the explosion, which has raised suspicions about his involvement in the ongoing illegal operation.
Community Impact and Flight of Suspects
Following the explosion, several individuals involved in illegal cracker manufacturing in the village and surrounding areas have reportedly fled to avoid legal action. The incident has highlighted the persistent dangers of unauthorized firecracker production, which poses severe risks to both life and property.
