June 7th 2024.
A tragic incident occurred in Puri, Odisha, on May 29, where 16 people, including minors, lost their lives due to a firecracker mishap during the concluding day of the 21-day Chandan Yatra, also known as “Bhaunri Yatra”. To investigate the situation and prevent such accidents in the future, the Odisha government appointed Special Relief Commissioner Satyabrata Sahu to lead the probe.
On Friday, the SRC recorded statements from the parents of the burn victims, eyewitnesses, police officers, and health department officials. It was the second sitting of the commissioner, with the first meeting held on June 5. During the recording, it was revealed that the devotees and residents who had gathered at the Narendra Tank to witness the firework display were injured when a cracker went off course and landed on a pile of firecrackers, causing a massive explosion.
The SRC is determined to uncover the events that led to this unfortunate incident and take necessary measures to prevent it from happening again. The commissioner also visited the accident site to gather more information about the presence of devotees in the area during the time of the accident. It was found that thirty-two people, including four small children, sustained burn injuries from the explosion in the firecracker stockpile while the fireworks were on display.
The injured were immediately taken to super specialty hospitals in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar for treatment, as there were no burn injury facilities available at the Jagannath Medical College Hospital. Sadly, sixteen patients have lost their lives, while others have returned to Puri after receiving treatment. During the investigation, it was alleged that the police failed to prevent unauthorized firecracker displays and did not provide any safety information to the devotees present in the area.
Moreover, there were no ambulances available to transport the injured to the hospital, causing further distress. The SRC has also recorded statements from thirty individuals, including the guardians and family members of the victims, to gather more information about the incident. It has also been reported that the Puri police have arrested four individuals and seized a large amount of explosive materials, which were being stored for the preparation of crackers.
As the investigation continues, the SRC is determined to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. The priority now is to ensure that such accidents do not occur in the future and that the safety of the devotees and residents is not compromised. The Odisha government is closely monitoring the situation and is taking necessary measures to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
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