Quarry owner, 2 others arrested over Karnataka explosion; CM announces Rs 5 lakh solatium
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Friday said five people were killed in the powerful explosion of a truckload of gelatin sticks at a stone crushing unit in Shivamogga district and assured action against unlawful mining and those responsible for the mishap.
Conceding illegal mining in Shivamogga, his native district, Yediyurappa said the quarry owner and two of his associates have been arrested for the explosion that occurred on Thursday night and he would inspect the blast site on Saturday.
While police last night said at least six laborers in the truck were killed in the explosion that left the bodies dismembered beyond recognition, Yediyurappa told reporters that five people were dead.
Announcing an ex-gratia of Rs five lakh each to the families of the victims, he said a probe into the explosion was on and a team of officials, including those from bomb disposal, mines, and geology departments, were on the job.
A clear picture of the casualty was expected to emerge soon with the authorities not ruling out the possibility of the death toll increasing, citing reports that there may have been more people at the site when the mishap occurred.
In a tweet, the Chief Minister said: "My deepest condolences to the bereaved family members. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured."
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 the future," he said.
Yediyurappa assured appropriate action against those responsible for the explosion, the cause of which was under investigation.
To a question on allegations of an increase in illegal mining, he said such activities have been stopped at four to five places and stringent action would be initiated to end the menace altogether.
The chief minister said the newly inducted Mines and Geology Minister Murugesh Nirani would soon inspect the area.
Yediyurappa's son and Shivamogga MP B Y Raghavendra has already visited the spot.
The booming sound of the blast initially made local people mistake it for an earthquake and it was heard in nearby areas in neighboring Davangere, Chikkamagaluru and Uttara Kannada districts too.
In Shivamogga, the effect was so severe with some houses developing cracks, while roof tiles and window panes were shattered to pieces.
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Two-wheeler rider killed after ramming tanker near Arkula Bridge in Mangaluru
Mangaluru: A two-wheeler rider was killed on Sunday morning after his vehicle collided with a tanker from behind near Arkula Bridge, police said.
The deceased has been identified as Muhammad Ashfaq (22), a resident of Farangipete.
According to reports, the tanker was heading towards BC Road when the two-wheeler rammed into it from behind near a furniture shop close to Arkula Bridge. Ashfaq sustained severe injuries.
He was immediately shifted to a private hospital in Padil where he recived initial treatment. However, he succumbed to his injuries while being taken to another private hospital in the city for further treatment, police added.
Traffic police have registered a case in connection with the incident.
