At least four people died and four others were seriously injured in an explosion at an illegal firecracker factory in Urida's Khurda district, police said.
The incident took place in Bhusandapur village of Tangi district, about 40 km from Bhubaneswar, when firecrackers were being made in a house for the upcoming Holi festival, a police officer said.
The house where the illegal firecracker unit was located was completely gutted in the incident. Fire brigade personnel took some time to douse the blaze and rescue the people.
Four people died on the spot and four others suffered serious burn injuries and were taken to hospital, he said, adding that their condition was considered serious.
Khurda District Collector K Sudarshan Chakrobarty said only one body has been identified so far. “Strict action will be taken against those responsible for the incident. No permission was taken from the administration to make firecrackers in the house,” he added.