Three youths killed in cracker explosion

Three youths were killed when the crackers which they were carrying exploded near Nimapara town, about 55 km from in Puri, police said on Monday.

Three youths were killed when the crackers which they were carrying exploded near Nimapara town, about 55 km from in Puri, police said on Monday.

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The blast took place at Patapur village near Nimapara late last night when the youths were returning home on a motor-cycle after purchasing a huge quantity of crackers from a nearby firework market, the police said.

While two persons, identified as Jayant Pradhan (35) and Akhyaya Muduli (32) died on the spot, Sudarshan Pradhan (30) succumbed to injuries on way to a hospital, they said.

Forty persons have been detained in the area for storing and selling hazardous crackers.