Cuttack: Three persons were killed and eight others injured in an explosion at Manpur village under Tigiria police station, about 60 km from Cuttack, on March 18, police said.

The explosion occurred when they were engaged in manufacturing crackers.

Eleven persons were injured in the mishap of whom three succumbed to their injuries subsequently, the sources said, adding the rest were being treated at the S C B Medical College Hospital.

The villagers were preparing the crackers for participating in a firework competition to be held on March 19 at Kapilas in Dhenkanal district, the sources said.

Police has registered a case in this connection.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik deeply condoled the death of the villagers and has sanctioned Rs 24,000 each as ex-gratia from his relief fund to the next of kin of the deceased persons. The government would bear all expenses for the treatment of the injured, they added.

PTI