Karnataka: Major explosion kills at least 5, jolts Shivamogga

At least five people were killed after a truckload of explosives, suspected to be meant for mining, exploded in Shivamogga on Thursday night. A high-level investigation has been ordered into the incident and CM Yeddyurappa has announced a solatium of Rs. 5 lakhs for the accused.

Shivamogga (Karnataka): Two people have been detained and a high-level investigation ordered into the explosion in Shivamogga district which left at least five dead, police said on Friday.

The detained included a contractor of a stone crushing facility where the blast occurred when a truckload of gelatin sticks went off, police added.

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa expressed grief over the loss of lives in the blast at the stone crusher facility at Hunasodu in Shivamogga, his home district.

A high-level investigation into the accident has been ordered and stringent action would be taken against the guilty, he said. He said he had been in contact with senior officials since last night and dispatched teams to carry out rescue operations.

"My deepest condolences to the bereaved family members. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured," the Chief Minister tweeted. Meanwhile, the authorities have not ruled out the possibility of the death toll increasing.

There are rumours that at least 10 to 15 people have died. Let the police complete their investigation," Shivamogga Deputy Commissioner KB Shivakumar told media on Friday. The sound of the blast, which was initially thought to be an earthquake, was heard in neighbouring Davangere, Chikkamagaluru and Uttara Kannada districts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences for the families of the people killed in the explosion.

In Shivamogga, the effect was severe as some houses developed cracks, roof tiles and window panes shattered into pieces. The vehicle was badly mangled and the bodies of the victims were dismembered beyond recognition.

CM Yeddyurappa announces 5 Lakh each to families of victims

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa assured appropriate action against those responsible for the explosion, the cause of which was under investigation.

Conceding illegal mining in Shivamogga, his native district, Yediyurappa said he would inspect the blast site on Saturday.

He told reporters here that he would direct the deputy commissioner of Shivamogga district to release a solatium of Rs five lakh to the families of the victims.

"Tomorrow I am going there. There are illegal mining activities going on. I will try to take steps to prevent the repetition of such incidents in future," he said.

With agency inputs