Karnataka: 15 dead in Shivamogga dynamite blast, CM Yediyurappa orders high-level probe

22-01-2021

At least 15 people died in a dynamite blast at a Railway crusher site in Karnataka's Shivamogga on Friday. The loud blast occurred at around 10.20 pm last night and jolted Shivamogga and neighbouring regions. Reacting to the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish at the loss of lives and assured that the state government is providing all the assistance to the affected. Prime Minister's Office (PMO) quoted PM Modi, "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." This incident took place in Abbalagere village located along the Shivamogga-Hanagal state highway, which passes through Savalunga and Shikaripura. Shikaripura, 290 km from Bengaluru, is the home constituency of Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa. The CM also took to his official Twitter handle saying, "A high-level probe into this unfortunate incident has been ordered and strict action will be taken against the culprits." According to police, the victims were transporting the dynamites meant for mining in a truck when the explosion took place. The vehicle was badly mangled while the bodies of the victims were dismembered beyond recognition. The mega blast took place near a gravels and boulders crushing facility in Shivamogga and its intensity was so strong that its impact was felt in neighbouring Chikkamagaluru and Davangere districts. At the time of the incident, the police had said, "Heat is so much that nobody is able to go there and the smell of explosive material that has spread to about nearly 8-10 km has not subsided. Once the heat and smell reduce, the rescue teams can enter there." "We have sealed the entire area and keeping a close watch on it," added the police. Window panes of many nearby buildings were shattered while many houses and even roads developed cracks due to the explosion. As the explosion was mistaken for an earthquake, geologists were contacted, who ruled out recording tremors in any of their observatories.