During Jagannath's Chandan Yatra in Puri, a pile of firecrackers exploded and 15 people were charred.

At least 15 people were injured when firecrackers exploded during Jagannath's Chandan Yatra festival in Odisha's Puri on Wednesday night. Hundreds of people had gathered on the banks of Narendra Pushkarini Sarovar to witness the rituals when the accident took place, police said. According to the police, a group of devotees were bursting firecrackers when a spark fell on a pile of firecrackers and an explosion occurred. The police said that burning firecrackers fell on the people gathered there and some of them jumped into the reservoir to save themselves. A doctor said that the injured have been admitted to the district hospital and the condition of four of them is critical. Condoling the incident, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has directed the concerned officials to provide proper treatment to the injured. He said the cost of treatment would be met from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik tweeted, “Sad to hear about the accident near Puri Narendra Pond. The chief administrative secretary and the district administration have been directed to provide proper treatment to the injured and monitor the arrangements. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik tweeted, “Sorry to learn about the accident near Puri Narendran Pond. The chief administrative secretary and the district administration have been directed to provide proper treatment and proper monitoring to the injured. pic.twitter.com/5bXwQMT4oP — ANI (@ANI) May 29, 2024 Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan tweeted, 'Sad to hear the news of the unfortunate accident at Narendra Pushkarini Devigat during the Puri Chandan Yatra where many people were injured. I wish those injured a speedy recovery and return home with God's blessings. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan tweeted, “I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the unfortunate accident at Narendra Pushkarini Devigat during the Puri Chandan Yatra where many people have been injured. With God's blessings, those under treatment pic.twitter.com/vxlN3dTAZ0 — ANI (@ANI) May 29, 2024