Shimoga blast killed 8 people, PM Narendra Modi expressed grief

Karnatka, Shimoga: Eight people who died in the blast were reportedly transporting the explosives meant for mining in a truck when the incident happened in Karnataka's Shivamogga town on Thursday night.

The explosion was heard across Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa's home district at around 10.15 pm, As many as eight people were killed in a mysterious blast that shook Karnataka's Shivamogga district on Thursday night and sent shockwaves in neighbouring Chikkamagaluru and Davangere districts.

As per reports, the massive explosion took place near a gravel and boulder crushing facility at a stone mining quarry in Shivamogga. The possibility of subsequent blasts at the quarry at Hunasondi near village Abbalagere has not been ruled out by the state police since some dynamite sticks are still live.A senior police officer told that the entire area has been sealed. So far we have seen two bodies. Many more bodies may or may not be inside.

The bomb disposal squad from Bangalore and Mangalore will be reached in a few hours only after that the picture will be clear. It is not allowed to enter the mine yet. Witnesses say that the explosion was so strong that the window panes of the houses were broken and cracks also occurred on the roads.

The explosion felt as if an earthquake had occurred and geologists were contacted. Shivamogga DC Shivakumar, who visited the blast site, said at least 8 people have died and the death toll may likely go higher.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief on the incident and said "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".