Blast in explosive-laden truck kills six in Karnataka's Chikkaballapur

BENGALURU: Six persons were killed and one sustained serious injuries when a mini truck carrying gelatin sticks exploded Tuesday early morning in Chikkaballapur district. All the deceased, who were travelling in the truck, were killed on the spot.
The incident happened at around 1.30am near Hirenagavalli village under Gudibanda police limits, about 95kms from Bengaluru.
Police officers at thepot
The truck driver, who suffered serious burns in the explosion, has been admitted to a nearby hospital.
Prime minister Narendra Modi and Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa expressed grief over the mishap.

CM Yediyurappa said he has ordered the concerned officials to conduct a thorough probe into the incident.
Health minister K Sudhakar visited the explosion site & interacted with local officials and residents on Tuesday morning. The minister assured that a strict action would be taken against those found guilty.
Following a similar incident in Shimoga last month, where two persons were killed, the district police department had conducted many raids on quarry sites and had warned the owners against keeping stock of explosives beyond the permitted quantity.
Police are yet to identify the deceased persons.