At least three people died and over 30 devotees were critically injured in a cracker explosion during the ‘Chapa Khela’ at Narendra Pond, during Chandan Yatra festivities in Puri.
· The Chandan Yatra, a significant festival in Puri dedicated to Lord Jagannath, draws devotees from far and wide to participate in various rituals and ceremonies.
· The chaos that ensued saw many devotees leap into the pond in a desperate attempt to escape the flames, while local residents rushed to their aid.
· Questions were raised about the safety protocols in place during the festivities and the adequacy of emergency response measures to handle such incidents.
· Amidst the sorrow and anguish, local residents voiced frustration over what they perceived as a delayed and insufficient response from the district administration.
· CM Naveen Patnaik expressed his sorrow over the incident and directed authorities to ensure comprehensive medical care for the injured, with all treatment costs to be covered by the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
The vibrant atmosphere of Puri’s Chandan Yatra celebration took a devastating turn as a tragic incident unfolded during the ‘Chapa Khela’ ritual at Narendra Pond. The joyous occasion turned into a scene of horror as crackers exploded unexpectedly, resulting in the loss of three lives and leaving over 30 devotees critically injured.
The Chandan Yatra, a significant festival in Puri dedicated to Lord Jagannath, draws devotees from far and wide to participate in various rituals and ceremonies. However, the festivities took a tragic turn when sparks from exploding crackers ignited a nearby cache of fireworks, triggering a blaze that engulfed unsuspecting devotees gathered near the Devi Ghat side of the pond.
The chaos that ensued saw many devotees leap into the pond in a desperate attempt to escape the flames, while local residents rushed to their aid, pulling them to safety and transporting the injured to nearby hospitals. Despite the valiant efforts of bystanders and emergency responders, the severity of the injuries necessitated the transfer of the wounded to medical facilities in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar for specialized treatment.
The aftermath of the tragedy left the community reeling with shock and grief. Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing scenes of panic and confusion as devotees scrambled to evade the inferno, while loved ones of the deceased mourned their untimely loss. Questions were raised about the safety protocols in place during the festivities and the adequacy of emergency response measures to handle such incidents.
Amidst the sorrow and anguish, local residents voiced frustration over what they perceived as a delayed and insufficient response from the district administration. Criticism was leveled at the authorities for permitting the detonation of fireworks in densely populated areas without adequate safety precautions, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and enforcement to prevent such tragedies in the future.
In the wake of the disaster, political leaders and officials offered their condolences and pledged support for the victims and their families. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed his sorrow over the incident and directed authorities to ensure comprehensive medical care for the injured, with all treatment costs to be covered by the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. Opposition figures, including BJP National Vice-President Baijayant Panda, also extended their sympathies and prayers for the swift recovery of the injured, emphasizing the unity of purpose in times of crisis.
As investigations into the cause of the explosion get underway, attention remains focused on providing immediate relief and medical assistance to the affected individuals. The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures and robust emergency response protocols during public celebrations, underscoring the need for greater vigilance and accountability to prevent such calamities from recurring in the future.
(With inputs from agencies)
