CRACKER EXPLOSION DURING CHANDAN YATRA: ODISHA CM ANNOUNCES EX-GRATIA OF RS 4 LAKH FOR FAMILIES OF DECEASED

Puri(30/05/2024): Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik visited the SUM Ultimate Hospital in Bhubaneswar on Thursday and met the persons who were injured in cracker explosion during Chandan Yatra in Puri. The Chief Minister announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh for the families of those killed in the mishap and ordered a high-level probe by the Special Relief Commissioner. Three persons including a minor boy died while more than 30 devotees were injured after crackers exploded during Chandan Yatra in Puri. All the injured persons were rushed to the district headquarters hospital.

The condition of some injured persons is stated to be critical. As per previous practice, bursting of crackers were being done on the Devi Ghat side of the Narendra Pond.

Sparkles from the exploded crackers fell on the devotees who had gathered to watch the water sports in the pond.