Puri Blast Aftermath: Death Toll Reaches 13 Amidst Ongoing Probe

The death toll in the Puri firecracker explosion rose to 13 after four more fatalities due to burn injuries. An ongoing investigation has been initiated, with 17 individuals still hospitalized. The explosion occurred during Lord Jagannath's 'Chandan Yatra' ritual. Investigations by authorities are underway, alongside a suo motu criminal case.

The death toll in Puri's firecracker explosion surged to 13 on Sunday, with four additional deaths reported due to burn injuries, official sources confirmed.

Currently, 17 injured individuals are receiving treatment in hospitals across Puri, Bhubaneswar, and Cuttack. An official statement from the Special Relief Commissioner's office disclosed that two people died Sunday morning, followed by two more fatalities in the afternoon.

A total of 30 people were injured in the explosion that transpired during Lord Jagannath's 'Chandan Yatra' on May 29 in Puri. Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan and BJP's Puri Lok Sabha candidate Sambit Patra visited the families of the deceased on Saturday evening.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has sanctioned an inquiry into the catastrophe, pledging Rs 4 lakh in ex gratia to the next of kin of each victim.

The SRC Satyabrata Sahu is overseeing the administrative-level investigation. Concurrently, police have launched a suo motu criminal case and are probing the incident.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)