11 killed in blast at quarry in Kurnool district

At least 11 persons were killed and several others were injured in a blast at a granite quarry near Hathi Belgal village in Alur mandal of Kurnool district on Friday.

Police officials expect several others to be trapped under the burning debris near the quarry, and details are yet to be ascertained.

About 10 houses in Hathi Belgal village suffered severe damage and the tremors of the explosion were felt nearly 20 km away from the spot. In addition to this, a lorry, three tractors and two sheds were gutted in the fire.

Preliminary information revealed that the victims, mostly migrant workers from Odisha, were residing in the area and the death toll is expected to rise, as many of them sustained 80% burns. Fire tenders have been rushed to control the inferno and officials are working to shift the victims to nearby hospitals.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed his condolences to the bereaved family members. He directed the District Collector to speed up rescue operations. Deputy Chief Minister K. E. Krishnamurthy said the government would extend all support to the family members of the deceased. Mines Minister Sujay Krishna Ranga Rao mourned the deaths.