Bhubaneswar, Oct. 21 -- A horrifying firecracker explosion during Diwali celebrations left a rider and his pillion critically injured in Aparnanagar, under Chauliaganj police station in Cuttack, on Monday.

The chilling incident was caught on CCTV, showing the moment the blast tore through the vehicle, sending shockwaves through the locality.

Reports revealed that the two individuals were transporting fireworks on their vehicle when a stray firecracker fell onto their scooter, triggering a massive explosion.

The force of the blast was so powerful that the bike was completely destroyed, reduced to smouldering ashes, leaving onlookers stunned.

Both victims sustained 30 to 40 per cent burn injuries and were immediately rushed to SCB Medic...