Odisha Firecracker Blast Kills 2, Injures 10 in Boudh District

Two people were killed and at least 10 injured after a firecracker warehouse exploded in Jhiakata village, Boudh district, on Sunday.

The deceased were identified as Bhagaban Behera and Laxhmidhar Behera, both residents of the village. Police said several houses were damaged in the blast, which they suspect was caused by the illegal storage of explosives and firecrackers.

Rescue teams shifted the injured to hospitals in Boudh and Phulbani, where doctors described some cases as critical. “We were at home when a deafening blast shook the entire village. Many were injured, and two people from our family died. We demand strict action against those involved,” a relative of one victim said.

Police have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire and possible violations of storage norms.