Andhra Pradesh: 10 killed in explosion at stone quarry in Kurnool

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Explosion at a stone quarry of Hathi Belgal in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh
Explosion at a stone quarry of Hathi Belgal in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh

New Delhi : Close to 10 workers were killed in a powerful explosion in a stone quarry in the Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh. The horrific incident took place on Friday night, police said.

All the deceased came from Odisha to Andhra Pradesh for work purpose. The massive blast occurred when daily quarrying work was being carried out in the quarry in Hathi Belgal under Aluru mandal, an investigating officer said.

"At least 20 workers were said to be at the spot when the gelatine sticks used for blasting the quarry exploded. The sudden explosion trapped the workers, triggering the fatalities," the officer said.

While 10 people lost their lives, four were seriously injured and rushed to Aluru Government  Hospital. Search was on to trace if there are any survivors, he added.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu was shocked to hear about the incident. He spoke to the district authorities and directed them to facilitate proper treatment to the injured. He announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the deceased. He ordered Deputy Chief Minister KE Krishnamurthy and Mining Minister to monitor the accident spot.

Leader of Opposition Y S Jaganmohan Reddy and JanaSena Party chief Pawan Kalyan also expressed deep grief and extended kindness to the families of the victims.

Sources confirmed that the explosion in the stone quarry spread to the nearby area and burnt three tractors, one lorry and two sheds to ashes.