7 killed in cracker-making unit in Orissa

BALASORE (ORISSA): At least seven people were killed and three injured when a blast took place at a house near here where crackers were being manufactured for the forthcoming Dussehra and Diwali festivals, police said.

"Seven persons were killed and three sustained burns when the blast took place at the house at Gunduripada where crackers were being made," DIG of Police Y K Jethwa said.

The explosion took place in the house of one Srustidhar Nayak in Basta police station when some of his neighbours, mostly children were watching television inside a room, he said, adding senior police officials and fire brigade rushed to the spot, about 20 km from here.

The injured were taken immediately to a nearby hospital for treatment while the site was cordoned off, he said.

Eyewitnesses said the intensity of the blast was so severe that the roof of house, allotted under Indira Awas Yojana, was blown off under its impact.

Police said the crackers were being manufactured in the house for the forthcoming Dussehra and Diwali festivals.

Jethwa said police was trying to verify whether the crackers were being made with legal license.