Bhubaneswar, Nov 9: Diwali celebrations turned tragic in Odisha's Twin Cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack as a series of firecracker accidents left scores of people injured. Hospitals witnessed a massive rush of patients, with children accounting for a significant number of victims in the state capital.

According to reports, more than 40 people sustained injuries while bursting firecrackers in Bhubaneswar. All the injured were rushed to Capital Hospital, where doctors and medical staff remained busy attending to the victims. Several people suffered burn injuries to their hands and legs, while children were among the worst affected. The number of injured patients continued to rise as the night progressed.

Cuttack reports more than 30 injuries, fire breaks out at multiple locations
 

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Cuttack also witnessed a spate of firecracker-related accidents during Diwali celebrations. More than 30 people were reportedly admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital after sustaining injuries while bursting firecrackers.

Several victims suffered injuries to their eyes, heads, hands and other body parts. The sudden rush of injured people kept medical personnel busy at the hospital.

Apart from firecracker injuries, multiple fire incidents were reported across Cuttack city. Blazes were reported from locations including Chauliaganj, Link Road, Balubazar, Purighat, Raghunath Jew Temple, Mangalabag, Ranihat and 42 Mouza. Fire Services personnel rushed to the affected locations and managed to bring the flames under control.

To prevent major fire accidents during the festival, the Cuttack Fire Services Department had made extensive arrangements. Six additional fire service posts were established at different locations across the city to ensure a quick response to emergencies.

Argus News English

15 injured in Soro firecracker accidents

Meanwhile, at least 15 people, including women, sustained injuries in firecracker explosions in Soro Municipality and adjoining rural areas of Balasore district.

Most of the victims suffered injuries to their hands due to firecracker explosions. All the injured were taken to Soro Hospital, where they received treatment before being discharged.

Puri gas cylinder blast leaves seven critical

A major accident marred Diwali celebrations in Puri after a gas cylinder exploded at a house in the Baliapanda area. The explosion reportedly occurred after a fire from an earthen lamp spread to the cylinder.

The incident took place at the residence of Dilip Singh, behind Madan Villa. More than 10 people sustained injuries, while seven were reported to be in critical condition.

All the injured were rushed to Puri District Headquarters Hospital. One of the critically injured victims, Sanjeev Sarkar, was shifted to Cuttack for advanced medical treatment.

The other critically injured persons were identified as Saraswati Debnath, Lokanath Biswas, Anukul Biswas, Dilip Singh, Trinath Reddy and Jagannath Baliarsingh. Police from Baliapanda and Kumbharpada police stations reached the hospital and initiated an investigation.

Firecracker accidents reported in other districts

Apart from the Twin Cities and Puri, firecracker-related accidents were also reported in Kalahandi, Nayagarh and Keonjhar districts.

The series of incidents has raised serious concerns over fire safety during festivals, particularly regarding children and people handling firecrackers without adequate precautions.