The incident took place at Gaanpur village under Baghamari Police limits in the district when the victims were bystanders to some youths bursting crackers.
As per reports, a group of young men collected unexploded firecrackers left out from a local park inauguration ceremony and tried to burst the crackers using bottles. The mishap occurred when the youths were igniting the crackers, leaving the children critically injured.
The injured boys were rescued by the locals and rushed to the District Headquarter Hospital here. After primary treatment, they were shifted to a hospital in Bhubaneswar. Their condition was stated to be critical, sources said.
The identity of the injured boys was not known when the report was filed.
On being informed, local police reached the spot and started an investigation into the matter.