Dynamite Blast in Karnataka’s Shivamogga: President Kovind condolences to victims families

At least 8 people were killed in a major blast in Karnataka’s Shivamogaa town on Thursday night. According to the report, the blast occurred at a Railway crusher site around 10.20 pm. The mega eruption created a tremor in and around Shivamogga.

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 neighboring Chikkamagaluru and Davangere districts.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday expressed pain at the loss of lives in an explosion in the Shivamogga district.

“The news of the loss of lives in an explosion at a stone mining quarry in Karnataka’s Shivamogga is unfortunate and tragic. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ families and loved ones during this difficult hour. I wish speedy recovery to the injured,” he Tweeted.

The news of the loss of lives in an explosion at a stone mining quarry in Karnataka's Shivamogga is unfortunate and tragic. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ families and loved ones during this difficult hour. I wish speedy recovery to the injured.

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 22, 2021

The number of casualties remains unclear as different sources have reported varying death tolls. Karnataka’s Mines and Geology Minister Murugesh Nirani said 15 people have died while Home Minister Bommai says seven were killed in the incident. In the latest update, Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa announced that five people lost their lives in the explosion. However, no clarity yet on what caused this huge blast.