At least eight people were killed in a major blast in Karnataka’s Shivamogga late on Thursday.
The blast occurred at around 10.30 pm last night and shook Shivamogga and neighbouring regions.
The people who died in the explosion were transporting the explosives meant for mining in a truck when the incident took place. The truck was also destroyed, police said.
The explosion took place near a gravel and boulder crushing facility in Shivamogga.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed pain at the loss of lives in an explosion in Shivamogga district and said the Karnataka government is providing all possible assistance to the affected.
“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,” the Prime Minister’s Office tweeted.
Shocked over the reports of the massive dynamite blast, Karnataka Chief Minister, B S Yediyurappa, in a tweet said that he was in touch with senior officials since late night and teams were dispatched to the required rescue operation. “I wish to express my deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. The wounded are being treated and I wish them all a speedy recovery. A high-level investigation into the misdemeanor has been ordered and strict action against the guilty is certain,” he said.
