Berhampur, April 3: At least six persons, including a minor, were critically injured following a powerful explosion during firecracker preparation at Korada under Nuagaon police limits on Friday.

The blast occurred while a family was reportedly engaged in manufacturing firecrackers for the upcoming Lanka Podi festival. The sudden explosion triggered panic in the area, with thick smoke engulfing the surroundings.

The injured have been identified as firecracker unit owner Hadibandhu Sethi, his son Nava Sethi, and workers Niranjan Nahak, Bapuni Nahak, Manoj Nayak, along with a minor, Amit Sethi.

All six were initially admitted to the district headquarters hospital. However, as the condition of five victims turned critical, they were shifted to a hospital in Bhubaneswar for advanced treatment.

Police have reached the spot and launched a detailed investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the explosion.