10 killed in Andhra quarry blast

Amaravati: At least 10 workers were killed in a powerful explosion in a stone quarry in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district last night, the police said.

All the victims are said to be hailing from Odisha and came here for work. The explosion occurred when regular quarrying work was being carried out in the quarry in Hathi Belgal under Aluru mandal, an investigating officer said over the phone.

“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.

At least 10 people were killed and four injured, who were shifted to a hospital. Search is on to trace if there are any survivors, he added.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the incident. He spoke to the district authorities and directed them to ensure proper treatment of the injured.

The leader of Opposition Y S Jaganmohan Reddy and Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan also expressed grief and extended sympathies to the bereaved families.