5 dead in Karnataka mine blast

Mine owners successfully hid mining blast material twice in the last fortnight while raids were to be carried out. On Tuesday fearing another round of raid, the mine owner appears to have decided to dispose off the explosives in forested area adjoining the mine, where large gorges exist.

The blast occurred in the stone quarry unit situated in Hirenagavalli village in Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka. One person has reportedly sustained injuries.

Hirenagavalli is a small hamlet in Chikballapur taluk in Chikballapur district of Karnataka. It is located 86 kms from tech hub Bengaluru.

Inspector General of Police (Central Range) M. Chandrashekhar told reporters that the mine in which this incident has taken place, was inspected by the police team led by Superintendent of Police of Chikkaballapur twice in the last fortnight. 

"On February 6, the police conducted search operations and just 24 hours before this blast took place, our special team had conducted the search operations to know the veracity of facts. But this blast has taken place after the police team left the quarry areas," he said.