Summary:
At least six persons have died in what is suspected to be a gelatin explosion at a quarry site in Chikkaballapur near Bengaluru on Tuesday morning.
.
Health Minister and District-in-charge Minister Dr K Sudhakar visited the accident site.
This tragedy comes just a month after a similar mishap was reported from Shivamogga district where six quarry labourers died in a quarry site due to an accidental explosion of a similar nature.
The blast occurred in a stone quarry unit situated in Hirenagavalli village.
One person has reportedly sustained injuries.
Speaking to reporters, Dr Sudhakar said that the quarry was storing gelatin sticks illegally and in an irregular manner which led to Tuesday’s explosion and two persons have been arrested in the case.
"These are illegally held explosives.
This will be dealt with law, strict action will be taken," he told reporters.
An officer added that all those involved in this incident were not experts in handling explosives and this led to the accidental explosion.
Both the Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa and Prime MInister Narendra Modi offered condolences to the families of the victims and assured strict action.
“Pained by the loss of lives due to a mishap at Chikkaballapur in Karnataka.
Condolences to the bereaved families.