Blaze triggers explosions in illegal firecracker godown in Bhubaneswar

BHUBANESWAR: A major tragedy was averted after a blaze triggered a series of blasts in a building where a huge quantity of illegal firecrackers was allegedly stocked for festive and marriage season, in Chunukoli slum within Infocity police limits here on Monday evening. Police said on receiving information, three teams of Odisha Fire and Emergency Service reached the spot at around 5 pm but faced a major challenge to contain the blaze as the firecrackers continued to explode. “Investigation is underway to ascertain if the fire and the subsequent explosions were caused due to a short-circuit in the house,” said a fire officer. Investigation is also underway to ascertain if the accident took place when people were manufacturing firecrackers inside.