A couple was killed and two other persons were critically injured in an explosion while allegedly preparing firecrackers at Banamalipur Nuasahi on the outskirts of the city on Thursday.
The deceased were identified as Gyanendra Mishra and his wife Laxmipriya.
The injured were rushed to the Athantara hospital in critical conditions, sources added.
The explosion took place in a house where the firecrackers were reportedly being assembled. Following this, a major fire broke out damaging the house completely.
However, two daughters of the couple had a close shave as they were outside the house when explosion took place.
Later, Fire Service personnel rushed to the spot after getting information and managed to douse the flames.
Sources said the family was into the firecracker business for a long time and the local police had information about it. Earlier, Gyanendra’s elder brother was also killed in a cracker explosion.