Karnataka's Shimoga Blast LIVE Updates: Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa confirmed that five quarry workers were charred to death in the huge dynamite blast that took place late on Thursday.
Shivamogga blast
A blast rocked a stone quarry in Shivamogga district, Karnataka, most likely caused by dynamite used for mining stone. There is still the chance of another explosion as some of the dynamite sticks did not ignite and are still active. Meanwhile, bomb disposal squads have been sent to the quarry and it is strictly off-limits to civilians.
The police reported that around eight people died in the explosion with buildings damaged, both inside and outside the quarry and equipment destroyed. Karnataka HM has confirmed 2 deaths till now and 2 people have been detained.
The explosion took place at approximately 10:20 p.m. and shook the ground nearby. The tremors were taken for an earthquake and people dashed out of their homes onto the roads. Several glass windows were also shattered due to the shockwaves caused by the explosion. The neighbouring Chikkamagaluru district was also affected by the tremors and shockwaves.