A total of 8 people were killed as gelatin sticks explode at a railway crusher site in Karnataka’s Shivamogga district on Thursday night.
The incident took place at Hunasodu village in the Shivamogga district, a media report quoted deputy commissioner KB Shivakumar as saying.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep condolence at the loss of lives in the explosion.
“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,” PM Modi said in a tweet.
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: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 22, 2021
According to the report, the massive explosion took place near a gravel and boulder crushing facility around 10.30 pm.
It has been reported that the explosion was so powerful that window panes were shattered and buildings damaged in parts of Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts.
Another report quoted Shivamogga deputy commissioner KB Sivakumar said he ran out of his home fearing a quake.
Many houses and roads reportedly developed cracks.
The victims were reportedly transporting the explosives in a truck meant for mining when the explosion took place.
The vehicle was badly damaged and the bodies of the victims were reportedly dismembered beyond recognition.