Manpur, Sept 28: A major explosion occurred during the alleged sale of firecrackers at Manpur village under Harichandanpur police limits in Odisha’s Keonjhar district, leaving one woman dead and two others critically injured.

The deceased has been identified as Pratima Sahu, a resident of Manpur village. Among the injured was reportedly a young man who had arrived at the house to purchase firecrackers.

According to preliminary information, a bomb-like firecracker allegedly fell from the young man’s hand and exploded while he was at the house. The blast reportedly triggered explosions among other firecrackers stored inside, resulting in the complete destruction of the house.

Pratima Sahu died in the explosion, while two others sustained critical injuries and were rushed for medical treatment.

On being informed, fire personnel and police reached the spot and launched rescue operations. Police have started an investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion and the circumstances surrounding the storage and sale of the firecrackers.