At least six people are feared dead in a blast at a quarry site at Hirenagaveli village, Chikkaballapur district, in the intervening hours between Monday and Tuesday.
According to initial reports, the blast occurred when gelatin sticks used for blasting were being transported in a vehicle.
Two have been held in connection with the incident. A case has been registered at Gudibande police station. An FSL team is at the spot.
Illegal quarrying and lack of safety measures at quarry site has been in spotlight in Karnataka ever since a blast killed six people in Shivamogga district late last month.
Leaders react
Health Minister K. Sudhakar, in-charge of the district, visited the spot and promised action against those responsible for the incident. Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai also visited the spot.
Murugesh Nirani, Minister for Mining and Geology, said that culprits will be brought to book. "We will take measures to ensure that only licence holders can carry out blasts and illegal activities are checked," he said.
High level probe ordered
Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa has said that a high level probe is going on into the incident.
In a tweet, the Chief Minister said that stringent action would be initiated against the guilty after the completion of inquiry.
You have reached your limit for free articles this month.
Subscription Benefits Include
Today's Paper
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Unlimited Access
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
Personalised recommendations
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.
Faster pages
Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
Dashboard
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
Briefing
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
Support Quality Journalism.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper, crossword and print.
A letter from the Editor
Dear subscriber,
Thank you!
Your support for our journalism is invaluable. It’s a support for truth and fairness in journalism. It has helped us keep apace with events and happenings.
The Hindu has always stood for journalism that is in the public interest. At this difficult time, it becomes even more important that we have access to information that has a bearing on our health and well-being, our lives, and livelihoods. As a subscriber, you are not only a beneficiary of our work but also its enabler.
We also reiterate here the promise that our team of reporters, copy editors, fact-checkers, designers, and photographers will deliver quality journalism that stays away from vested interest and political propaganda.
Suresh Nambath
