Bhubaneswar: Day by day the death toll in the explosion of a stockpile of firecrackers in Puri is increasing as the persons sustained serious burn injuries in the massive blast succumbed to their injuries.
According to the latest report, another two persons undergoing treatment in different hospitals passed away. Now, the death toll mounts to 13.
Out of 30 people were injured in the explosion that happened during Lord Jagannath’s Chandan Jatra on last Wednesday night, 13 persons have died so far and 19 others including some seriously injured are undergoing treatment in different hospitals in Puri, Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
“As per the information of the Health & Family Welfare Department another two persons died due to unfortunate fire tragedy in Puri. In this connection, the total death toll rose to nine. Presently 19 patients are under medical treatment in different hospitals,” office of Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) said in a statement. The State Government is closely monitoring the situation, it said.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has ordered an inquiry into the incident, and announced an ex-gratia amount of Rs 4 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased.
The Puri collector has already taken steps for the payment of Rs 4 lakh each towards ex-gratia assistance to the next of kin of the deceased, the official said.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Satyabrata Sahu, who is also the SRC, has started a probe into the incident.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and BJP candidate for Puri Lok sabha constituency, Sambit Patra met family members of the deceased who lost their lives in a firecracker explosion in Puri.