Bhubaneswar:  In a tragic incident four people were killed and as many injured, two of them critically, when firecrackers stored in a house in Bhusandpur village under tangi block in Odisha's Khordha district exploded on Monday.

Police said huge firecrackers were stored inside the house built on a government plot in the village to be used in the Dola Purnima festival when the mishap took place.

While four people died on the spot in the explosion which was so devastating that the entire asbestos roof of the building was completely blown up.

The fire services and police reached the spot on being informed about the explosion, rescued the injured persons and admitted them into the hospital.

The District Collector, Superintendent of Police and other officials also rushed to the site. The house has been sealed by the authority. The bodies of the deceased were sent for autopsy.

Official sources said the cracker manufacturing unit was running in the house without any valid license. Details are awaited.