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Karnataka: Explosion at quarry kills eight, two detained

Karnataka: Explosion at quarry kills eight, two detained

Jan 22, 2021
11:29 pm

What's the story

In a terrible piece of news, at least eight people died due to a dynamite blast at a railway crusher site in Hunasodu village in the Shivamogga district of Karnataka. Two people were detained. Reports said the blast occurred close to a gravel and boulder crushing facility around 10:30 pm on Thursday night. The deafening blast sent shockwaves in neighboring Chikkamagaluru and Davangere districts.

Transportation

Explosives were being transported for mining when tragedy struck

Those who died in the blast were said to be transporting gelatin for mining in a truck. The heavy vehicle was completely destroyed in the incident. Earlier, the jolt was mistaken as an earthquake but geologists ruled out this possibility. No seismic activity, usually recorded at depth of 15-20 km was confirmed by 11 pm. "There was no earthquake," a cop told PTI.

Action

Area has been sealed off, bomb squads called

The entire area was quickly sealed off. "So far we have seen two bodies and many are feared dead inside the quarry. Bomb disposal teams will reach here from Mangaluru and Bengaluru in a few hours," a senior cop told NDTV. He added that no one will be allowed inside till the squads arrive as live explosives could still be present.

What happened

Glasses in many houses were shattered

Reportedly, glasses were also shattered in a couple of houses, far from the site. KB Ashok Naik, MLA from Shivamogga, told Deccan Chronicle that thick nauseating smoke engulfed the entire area. "No official has been able to reach the spot due to the intense smoke. However, locals have been able to retrieve the bodies of five laborers from the blast site," he said.

Do you know?

Senior cop urged not to spread rumors about death toll

Karnataka Police informed the two people detained include a contractor. "There are rumors that at least 10 to 15 people have died. Let the police complete their investigation," Shivamogga Deputy Commissioner KB Shivakumar told PTI about media reports.

Tweet

CM Yediyurappa ordered a high-level probe

To note, Shivamogga is the home district of Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa. Taking to Twitter on Friday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said he has been in touch with senior officials since last night and that rescue teams have been sent. He revealed that a high-level investigation has also been ordered. The CM also hoped that the injured get well soon.

Twitter Post

Wish to express my deepest condolences to bereaved families: Yediyurappa

Quote

Pained by loss of lives: PM Modi

Separately, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences. "Pained by the loss of lives in Shivamogga. Condolences to the bereaved families. Praying that the injured recover soon. The State Government is providing all possible assistance to the affected, (sic)" his office tweeted today.

Twitter Post

He assured state government is providing all possible help