At least 11 labourers working in a stone quarry died when gelatine sticks used to blast granite exploded in Aluru Mandal of Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, late on Friday. Officials said the toll is likely to increase.
However, the police are yet to identify some of the deceased as the blast left many bodies disfigured. According to the police, those hurt in the blast have suffered over 70 per cent burn injuries. Police, NDRF, and fire department officials have rushed to the spot for rescue and relief efforts. The injured have been taken to the Alur Government Hospital while few others were rushed to Adoni and Kurnool Government hospital.
Expressing shock over the loss of life, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed authorities to ensure that the injured received all possible medical treatment. The CM also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the bereaved. He also ordered Deputy CM and mining minister to go to the spot and monitor the operations.
State IT Minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) general secretary Nara Lokesh tweeted, “Deeply saddened by the news of Quarry Blast in Hathi Belgal, Alur in Kurnool district which has claimed many lives. We’re monitoring the situation.”
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