Cuttack: Three members of a family, including a four-year-old girl, died of severe burn injuries on Friday following a powerful explosion at their residence in Mahajanpur under Jagatpur police limits. The deceased have been identified as Sudhansubala Nayak (34), her mother-in-law Prabhati Nayak (60), and Sthitiprangya Nayak (4). The blast took place around 6.15 pm on Thursday when fire crackers were being allegedly assembled and stored in the house.While the trio was initially admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in a critical condition, Sudhansubala and the minor girl died around 11.30 pm on Thursday during treatment. Prabhati Nayak, who had been on ventilator support in SCB died on Friday, said Subhash Ray, registrar, SCBMCH. All had sustained 95% burn injuries in which the chances of survival is very less, Ray said.Police said the explosion was so intense that the asbestos roof of the house collapsed, sending shockwaves through the neighbourhood. Neighbours rushed to the spot and alerted emergency services. Police said forensic teams have collected samples from the spot for examination. “We are verifying whether the activity was authorised and examining the source of procurement,” said DCP (Cuttack) Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo.Statements of family members and neighbours are being recorded. Further legal action will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation, he added.
