Cuttack: A firecracker explosion in a two-wheeler at Aparnanagar under Chauliaganj police limits in Odisha’s Cuttack during Diwali festivities on Monday left a rider and his pillion critically injured.

The terrifying incident when the blast ripped through the vehicle, shocking the bystanders, was caught on a CCTV camera. The injured have been identified as Ramachandra Padhi (21) of Matha Sahi and Sampad Parida (30) of Niladri Vihar.

According to sources, a stray lit firework from nearby celebrations accidentally fell on the scooter, igniting the firecrackers stored in the vehicle and triggering a sudden explosion, around 7.30pm near the Chauliaganj market. While the explosion damaged a part of the two-wheeler and the shutter of a nearby roadside shop, both victims sustained 30 to 40 per cent burn injuries and were immediately rushed to SCB Medical College and Hospital here for treatment.

“Preliminary investigation suggests that the victims were carrying fireworks in an unsafe manner. A spark from a nearby cracker appears to have triggered the explosion. We have collected samples from the spot and are verifying the source of the fireworks, including whether they were locally made or licensed,” Chauliaganj IIC Chinteswar Munda told the media.