Bhubaneswar, 18 January (H.S.): A worker was killed in a powerful explosion during the illegal manufacture of firecrackers in Odisha’s Cuttack district on Sunday.

The incident occurred at Khalarda village under the jurisdiction of Sadar police station, where firecrackers were reportedly being prepared inside a residential house.

According to preliminary information, the blast was so intense that it blew off the asbestos roof of the house and caused severe structural damage to the building. The victim is believed to have been a worker engaged in the firecracker-making activity.

Local residents, alarmed by the loud explosion, immediately informed the police, triggering panic in the area. Soon after receiving the alert, teams from the police and fire services rushed to the spot and launched rescue and safety operations.

Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion and to verify whether any safety norms were violated during the illegal manufacturing process.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda