Rayagada, Jan 14: A major accident occurred in Rayagada, late on Tuesday night during Makar Sankranti celebrations, as a firecracker explosion critically injured five people. The explosion took place while members of the Telugu community were celebrating Bhogi, a key ritual associated with Makar Sankranti.

Reports indicate that firecrackers were being prepared inside a house situated between Yedu Sahi and Majhi Sahi. Around midnight, a fire broke out at the spot where the firecrackers were stored, leading to a massive explosion that sent shockwaves through the area. The explosion caused widespread panic among residents.

Five individuals, including two minors, were severely injured in the blast. The locals quickly responded by rushing the victims to the district headquarters hospital for initial treatment. However, due to the critical condition of the injured, they were later referred to Visakhapatnam for advanced medical care.

Although the locals were reluctant to share further details, the police have initiated an investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion. Authorities will also examine whether safety regulations were breached during the preparation of the firecrackers.

The incident highlights the risks associated with firecracker preparation during festivals and raises concerns about the safety measures in place.