"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's office tweeted
8 people were killed in a dynamite explosion at a stone mining quarry in the Shivamogga district of Karnataka.
The possibility of subsequent explosions at the quarry at Hunasondi near village Abbalagere has not been ruled out by the police since some dynamite sticks are still live, the police said. Bomb disposal squads have been called in and the entire area has been cordoned off.
The workers were reportedly transporting the explosives meant for mining in a truck when the incident happened. The truck was destroyed, the police said.
The blast occurred around 10:20 pm, resulting in a loud sound and tremors that could be felt in the nearby Chikkamagaluru district as well. Locals took the puzzling loud sound - which shattered window panes - to be an earthquake and ran out to the streets.
PM Modi has expressed grief over the incident. A statement issued from his office said, "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."
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