The late hours of the Shivamogga district were shaken by a massive blast that occurred near Hunsodu village in a quarry that claimed the lives of 5 workers. A truck transporting stones blasting material or gelatin sticks and 5 workers had an unfortunate end as it exploded near the quarry.
The bodies found were charred beyond recognition and the truck was blown into smithereens, as quoted by the police officials. The explosion took place at 22:10 pm and was parked at the moment with the workers resting.
The alleged quarry was traced to the ownership of stone crusher Sudhakar and his business partner Gandhada Maneya Narashima was arrested the next day, Friday morning by the police department. The land was leased by Avinash Kulkarni to the duo who had been conducting quarrying for the past few years.
The police told the media that both of the arrested are history sheeters and have numerous criminal complaints in various stations all over the district. Currently, the blast site has been sealed off by the police and the bomb squad has been brought to avoid any further mishappenings.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted to express his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and sends his prayers to those injured. He ensured the public that State Government is providing all the necessary services to cope with this accident and to the bereaved family.
Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa conveyed his grief through a media outlet by announcing a compensatory amount of Rs. 5 lakhs to the next of kin of the deceased and a formal inquiry to be set up into the accident. He ensured that the Mines minister shall be there and that he himself will visit the accident site.
The District Collector of Shimoga district KS Eshwarappa said that investigation is being conducted about why the vehicle carrying stone blasting explosives was parked at a site such as this. He also urged to abstain from public rumors which say that 10-15 people have died, for no substantial facts have been found to support such an assertion.
Speaking about the graveness of the blast he added that he felt it was an earthquake and ran out of the house. Shimoga Deputy Commissioner KB Sivakumar concurring to the fear of earthquake as the DC said that he too ran out of the house as the blast nearly shook the vicinity.
The impact broke the windowpanes and shattered many buildings in the areas of Shimoga and Chikkamagaluru districts.
