Kendrapada: A father and son were killed and three others, including two women, sustained severe burn injuries after a powerful explosion ripped through a suspected illegal firecracker manufacturing unit at Mahilo village under Tirtol police station limits in Jagatsinghpur district on Thursday afternoon.The deceased were identified as Manoranjan Swain (55) and his son, Soumya Swain (25). The injured, Laxmipriya Swain (52), wife of Manoranjan, Rajalaxmi Swain (25), a relative, and Rahul Raj Mohant (28), a govt school teacher, were initially admitted to Jagatsinghpur district headquarters hospital before being shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack as their condition deteriorated.Police said Mohant had reportedly come to the house for lunch when the explosion occurred. The blast was so powerful that portions of the house, including walls, doors and windows, were blown apart. Preliminary investigation suggests family members were making firecrackers inside the house when the blast took place. “We have found that the unit was operating illegally without any licence,” said Ajaya Kumar Das, SDPO, Tirtol.Police seized a large quantity of firecrackers and explosive materials from the site. Samples have been sent for forensic examination. “We have registered a case under sections 3 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Investigation is underway,” Das said.The incident has once again drawn attention to the proliferation of illegal firecracker units in the area. Following the explosion, several operators of suspected illegal cracker-making units in Mahilo and nearby villages reportedly fled their homes fearing police action.Residents alleged that illegal firecracker manufacturing units have been functioning in the area for years despite repeated safety concerns. “Many such units are operating in and around the village. Authorities have not taken adequate steps to shut them down, putting lives and property at risk,” a villager said, preferring anonymity.Police said further investigation is underway to ascertain the source of the explosive materials and identify others involved in the illegal operation.