Nayagarh: As many as six people were seriously injured after a major firecracker explosion in Korada village under Nuagaon police limits in Odisha’s Nayagarh district on Friday.

According to initial reports, the incident occurred around noon while firecrackers were being prepared. The explosion took place suddenly due to unknown reasons, triggering panic among locals.

Hearing the loud blast, residents rushed to the spot and immediately alerted the fire services, ambulance, and police. Emergency responders soon arrived and shifted the injured to the Nayagarh District Headquarters Hospital for treatment.

The condition of the injured persons is stated to be critical. Authorities were yet to ascertain the exact cause of the explosion.

Further investigation into the matter was underway by the police.