Bhubaneswar, Sep 19: Five children sustained severe burn injuries after a generator caught fire during a Ganesh immersion procession at Pratapapur under Purushottampur in Odisha’s Ganjam district on Friday night.

According to reports, the incident occurred while the immersion procession was underway. A generator mounted on a tractor reportedly caught fire due to intense heat. The flames then reached a nearby petrol container, triggering a sudden blaze.

Five children who were sitting close to the generator to watch the procession were caught in the fire and suffered serious burn injuries. The injured have been identified as Itishree Nayak (4), Suhani Nayak (11), Bhumi Nayak (8), Rahari Nayak (7) and Bikash Nayak (5). All five children are residents of Sitarampur Agraharam Sahi.

Following the incident, the injured children were rushed to the local Ayushman Arogya Mandir, where they received initial medical treatment. Considering the severity of their burn injuries, they were subsequently shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur for advanced treatment.

After receiving information about the incident, Purushottampur Tehsildar reached the hospital and took stock of the situation. The official also monitored the treatment arrangements and interacted with those accompanying the injured children.

The incident has raised concerns over safety arrangements during immersion processions, particularly regarding the placement of generators and inflammable materials near participants and spectators. Authorities are expected to ascertain the circumstances leading to the fire.

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