Tragic Incident at Puri’s Chandan Yatra: Fireworks Blast Kills Three, Injures Over 30 (Videos)

At least three people lost their lives in a tragic incident during ‘Chapa Khela’ at Narendra Pond as part of Chandan Yatra in Puri, and over 30 devotees were seriously injured after firecrackers exploded on Wednesday. The incident took place near the Sri Jagannath temple on the Devi Ghat side, where devotees had gathered to witness the longest annual festival of the Jagannath temple.

According to reports, a splinter from a firecracker hit a pile of firecrackers and caused the explosion. As a result, the devotees were severely burnt on the spot. One youth died at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, while two others breathed their last at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar while undergoing treatment.

The injured were rushed to Puri District Headquarters Hospital in critical condition. As their condition worsened, they were shifted to SCB Medical College in Cuttack and various hospitals in Bhubaneswar. The lack of burn units at the Puri headquarters hospital hindered proper treatment.

Local residents rushed to help the injured after rescuing many who had jumped into the pond to escape the blast, and they sent them to the hospital. This tragic incident highlights the need for better security measures and medical facilities during large public events.