A festive tradition turned into a nightmare in Korda village, Nayagarh, when a powerful explosion ripped through a home during the manufacturing of ceremonial arrows for the Lankapodi festival.
The blast was so intense that it charred surrounding structures, leaving six members of a single family—including two women—with severe burn injuries.
The victims were rushed to the Nayagarh District Headquarters Hospital as emergency responders worked to contain the aftermath. Initial reports suggest the family was assembling the fire-arrows (crackers) inside their residence when a sudden spark triggered the massive detonation.
The incident has sparked public outrage and raised tough questions for the Daspalla Nuagaon police. Locals are demanding to know how such hazardous, illegal manufacturing could occur under the radar.
As authorities launch a formal investigation into the safety violations, the village remains in shock, mourning a celebration that vanished in a cloud of smoke and fire.
The tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the dangers lurking behind unregulated firework production during the holiday season.