At least six persons died and one sustained injuries after a bunch of gelatin sticks exploded. The blast occurred in the Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka.
The blast occurred in a stone quarry unit situated in Hirenagavalli village. Hirenagavalli is a small hamlet in Chikballapur taluk in Chikballapur district. It is located 86 km from tech hub Bengaluru.
As per initial reports, the explosion happened when they were trying to dispose of the gelatin sticks used for quarrying.
Karnataka Health Minister, who is also district incharge minister, K. Sudhakar visited the spot and told reporters that the state government would not succumb to any pressure and act sternly against all those responsible for this incident.
"This will be dealt with law, strict action will be taken"
Karnataka Minister Sudhakar said, "The dead bodies are seen in different directions...These are illegally held explosives. This will be dealt with law, strict action will be taken."
"This incident took place when mine owners were trying to dispose off gelatin sticks when they got a whiff that their mine might be raided once again to check whether they have stored any explosives illegally," an investigation officer said.
This is the second such incident in Karnataka after the one that had occurred in Shivamogga district on January 21.
