Bhubaneswar: With the death of another two persons, the death toll in the severe blast of firecrackers during Chandan Jatra festival in Puri rose to six.
As per the information of Health & Family Welfare Department, another two persons died due to unfortunate fire tragedy in Puri. In this connection, the total death toll rose to six, the office of Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) said today.
The Collector, Puri has already taken steps for payment of Rs 4 lakh each towards ex-gratia assistance to the next of kins of deceased persons. Presently 24 patients are under medical treatment in different hospitals, it said. The situation is being closely monitored by the Government.
The injured people were admitted to various private and government hospitals in Puri, Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, the Health Secretary said.
All patients are being provided with the best possible treatment, care and support. The entire cost of treatment is borne by the Government including the cost of treatment in private hospitals.
A group of devotees were celebrating the festival with crackers. Suddenly, a splinter from the burning crackers struck the heap, leading to the explosion. The Puri police registered a case and started investigation into the incident as no permission was given to burst firecrackers in the festival, police sources said.
State Government has assigned the probe of mishap to be taken up by Special Relief Commissioner, Odisha.